News Summary
As winter weather approaches with cold temperatures and hazardous conditions, schools across the Midlands are taking proactive measures. On January 21, 2025, several school districts, including Newberry and Sumter Counties, will dismiss students early and cancel after-school activities. Breakfast and lunch will still be provided to students before they head home. Parents are advised to make necessary arrangements as multiple counties implement changes in their schedules to ensure student safety amidst the forecasted weather.
Midlands Schools Shift Schedules as Winter Weather Approaches
With chilly temperatures and threats of hazardous winter weather on the horizon, schools across the Midlands are taking precautionary measures to keep students safe and warm. On January 21, 2025, families can expect early dismissals and changes to after-school programs as schools respond to the forecasted weather conditions.
Newberry County’s Early Release
The School District of Newberry County will release students early on January 21. Thankfully, breakfast and lunch will still be served to ensure students are nourished before heading home. It’s important to note that all after-school activities and events are also canceled, so make sure to check on your little ones and plan accordingly.
Sumter County Follows Suit
In Sumter County, students will also be dismissed early, ensuring they can get home before the weather worsens. Like Newberry County, all after-school programs have been canceled. Parents should make arrangements accordingly as students will be heading home sooner than expected.
Orangeburg County and Early Dismissals
Similarly, Orangeburg County has announced an early dismissal on January 21. With all activities and events canceled until further notice, those in the area should stay informed and prepared for potential weather impacts.
Richland County’s Precautions
Richland One schools will be seeing early dismissals as well, with breakfast and lunch provided prior to dismissal to keep students well-fed. All after-school programs are canceled, so parents should plan accordingly. Richland School District Two is on the same page, with early dismissals and cancellations of after-school events.
Lexington Schools Take Action
In Lexington, the counties are also responding to the weather forecast. Lexington One will operate on a half-day schedule, providing breakfast and lunch before students head home. Lexington Two is opting for an early dismissal as well, with after-school activities canceled.
Moving to Lexington Three, students will be on a half-day schedule on January 21, followed by an eLearning Day on January 22. Bus drivers will allow students to wait safely inside until their ride arrives, and students will receive a bagged lunch for the next day’s eLearning.
Lexington Four will also stick to a half-day schedule, serving breakfast and lunch before sending students home, and unfortunately, all after-school activities, daycare, and athletics will be canceled.
District Five Makes Adjustments
All schools in District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties will release students early on January 21. Those in half-day preschool programs are reminded that they won’t meet, and morning classes will transition to online learning.
Kershaw, Aiken, and Clarendon Counties Respond
Kershaw County School District will also be closing schools and offices early on January 21, with a two-hour delay planned for January 22. Over in Aiken County, students will find early dismissal, although those relying on bus transportation may not attend since buses can’t run mid-day routes.
Clarendon County is following suit with early dismissals and plans for an eLearning day on January 22. Again, all after-school activities have been canceled.
Fairfield and Saluda Counties Update
In Fairfield County, schools will continue with their normal schedule on January 21, although a two-hour delay could occur on the following day. Events and activities are subjected to cancellation or postponement based on the weather.
Saluda County intends to operate on a regular school schedule, with the possibility of changes being made based on conditions.
Calhoun County’s Full Closure
Lastly, the Calhoun County Schools will close entirely on January 21 and 22, with all after-school activities being canceled.
In summary, as winter weather approaches, Midlands schools are acting decisively to prioritize student safety. Make sure to stay tuned to local updates and check in with your school district for any additional changes that may arise. Stay warm and safe!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Midlands Schools Prepare for Snowstorm: Early Dismissals Announced
West Columbia Parks Reopen After Winter Storm
South Carolina Faces Winter Storm: State of Emergency Declared!
Columbia Braces for Winter Storm Impact
Winter Weather Precautions in the Midlands
Severe Weather Hits South Carolina: A Swing Between Snow and Sunshine!
Winter Weather Hits Lexington County: What You Need to Know
Winter Storm Warning Hits Midlands, South Carolina
Cold Weather Shelters Open Across the Midlands
Columbia Welcomes the Midlands Morning Show
Additional Resources
- WLTX
- WISTV
- ABC Columbia
- Cola Daily
- AOL
- Wikipedia: Winter Weather
- Google Search: Winter Weather School Dismissals South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Winter Weather Impact on Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Winter
- Google News: Winter Weather School Dismissals South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
