Beaufort County School District Announces Continued Virtual Learning After Storm
As the last weekend in September draws to a close, residents of Beaufort County are grappling with the aftermath of the storm named Helene. With many families still dealing with difficulties caused by the severe weather, the Beaufort County School District has made a significant decision: classes will continue to be held virtually for e-learning on Monday.
Class Cancellations and School Closures
Alongside the virtual classes, after-school and extracurricular activities for Monday afternoon have also been cancelled. This announcement came through an email sent out on Sunday afternoon, around 3:15 p.m., by school district spokesperson Candace Bruder. She expressed appreciation for the patience of families during this tough time and reassured them that students would be welcomed back on Tuesday.
The decision to cancel in-person classes was not made lightly. It follows a chaotic Friday, when Beaufort County experienced the full force of Helene, leading to widespread power outages, road closures, and significant damage throughout the area. Many residents were greeted by howling winds, fallen trees, and downed power lines when they woke up Friday morning. The storm left a path of destruction, with thousands left without electricity and significant debris littering the roadways.
Power Outages Persist
By Saturday afternoon, reports indicated that approximately 17% of Beaufort County residents were still without power. This situation posed additional challenges for families, particularly for students who depend on reliable electricity and internet access for their e-learning activities. Knowing this, the school district reached out to families with important information about their plans moving forward.
In her communication on Sunday, Bruder highlighted the district’s commitment to flexibility for students still grappling with issues from the storm. Families experiencing challenges with power or internet connectivity can breathe a sigh of relief: students will have up to five days to complete any assignments. For those facing more complicated issues, the schools are prepared to work with families to find solutions for their individual circumstances.
Ongoing Assessments and Updates
On Friday morning, Bruder also mentioned that the school district was in the process of assessing the status of its 30+ schools across Beaufort County. She assured families that more detailed information regarding the state of school facilities and readiness would be shared on Monday. This is a crucial step as the district seeks to ensure the safety and well-being of its students and staff moving forward.
As the weekend continues, it is clear that the community is coming together to support one another during this challenging period. Residents are encouraged to check on their neighbors and lend assistance wherever possible. The impacts of Helene may linger for a bit longer, but with a little patience, understanding, and cooperation, the Beaufort County community is sure to find its footing once again.
Looking Ahead
As we move back to a temporary normal routine with virtual classes, it’s important for families to stay informed. Make sure to look out for updates from the Beaufort County School District as they continue to navigate through the effects of the storm. Here’s to hoping for brighter days ahead, with the community uniting and overcoming these setbacks together!
