News Summary
As winter weather hits Upstate South Carolina, schools are adapting by implementing eLearning days. With temperatures plummeting and safety concerns rising, Spartanburg Day School has opted for a two-hour delay, while Greenville County Schools and several Anderson County districts have opted for full eLearning. The National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning, leading to canceled events and a focus on student safety during this chilly week.
Upstate South Carolina Schools Embrace eLearning Days Amidst Winter Chill
This week, Upstate South Carolina is feeling the icy grip of winter with a cold weather advisory in place through Wednesday, January 22. As temperatures dip dramatically, schools are responding by shifting to eLearning and making adjustments to ensure students’ safety.
Bracing for the Cold
Tuesday evening is set to be a bone-chilling affair, as temperatures are expected to plunge into the teens and even lower in the mountainous areas. If that wasn’t enough, Wednesday promises to keep the cold around, gradually warming up only as we head into the latter part of the week. Forecasts indicate that sunny skies could greet us with a high near 34°F on Wednesday, but don’t let that fool you; a drop to around 17°F is anticipated come Wednesday night. Wind gusts from the northeast at a gentle six mph may add an extra bite to the chill.
Adjustments for Spartanburg Day School
Fearing the remnants of Tuesday night’s icy conditions on the roads, Spartanburg Day School has decided to implement a two-hour delay for its operations on Wednesday. Here’s the scoop on the adjusted start times:
- Preschool: Early drop-off at 9:30 a.m., regular drop-off opens at 9:45 a.m., and classes kick off at 10:00 a.m.
- Lower School: Drop-off opens at 9:30 a.m., with classes starting at 10:00 a.m.
- Middle School: Drop-off starts at 9:30 a.m., and classes will begin at 10:10 a.m.
- Upper School: Classes will get underway at 10:30 a.m.
But fear not, parents! After-school activities at Spartanburg Day School will carry on as scheduled, and Extended Day will be available until 6 p.m.
eLearning in Full Swing
Meanwhile, Greenville County Schools have taken a different route, announcing an eLearning day on January 22, effectively closing all schools and office buildings. This means that students can still hit the books from the warmth of their homes via Google Classroom. All activities, including athletic events and field trips, are also taking a backseat for the day.
Not to be left out, school districts D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 in Anderson County have joined the eLearning trend for safety reasons. Likewise, Spartanburg County Districts 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are hopping on board, declaring eLearning days as winter weather continues to wreak havoc.
Weather Warnings and Canceled Events
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Spartanburg County, emphasizing that road safety may be compromised due to icy conditions. Wind chills could plummet to a staggering -7°F, and continued snowfall is expected, making travel quite treacherous.
Given the circumstances, high school sporting events are facing rescheduling, as schools prioritize safety over play. Additionally, the programs at the Charles Lea Center will be closed on January 22 due to concern for the harsh weather. The Greenville County Schools’ ICE Team has also been closely monitoring conditions and has canceled after-school activities that can’t wrap up by 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21.
Stay Safe and Warm
With shelters and warming centers opening to accommodate those in need, it’s important for families to stay informed. As conditions remain unpredictable, everyone is encouraged to keep a close eye on local weather updates and plan accordingly for travel on January 22.
So, as we huddle indoors and make our plans for a cozy winter day, remember to bundle up, stay safe, and keep spreading warmth in your homes!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Winter Weather Causes School Closures Across South Carolina
Frosty Forecast: Upstate Schools Shift to eLearning
Chilly Weather Impacting School Schedules in Upstate
Winter Weather Forces School Closures and E-Learning in SC
Upstate Schools Utilize E-Learning Days During Cold Snap
Upstate South Carolina’s First Snowfall of 2025 Falls Short
Upstate South Carolina Schools Transition to E-Learning
Upstate Schools Implement E-Learning Amid Winter Weather Warnings
High Surf Advisory Issued for Charleston County
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Upstate School District Announces Class Changes Due to Weather
- Greenville Online: Greenville Schools Change After School Programs Due to Extreme Cold
- WSPA: Cold Weather Prompts School Closures & Delays in Western NC
- Independent Mail: Greenville Schools Change After School Programs Due to Extreme Cold
- Wikipedia: Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather
- Greenville Online: How Cold Will the Weather Be This Week in the Upstate?
- Post and Courier: Upstate Greenville Snow & Ice Roads School Delays & Closures
- The State: Local News on Winter Weather
- Google Search: School closures due to extreme weather
