Many Midlands school districts dismissing students early due to severe weather forecast

Several Midlands school districts will dismiss students early Tuesday because of the threat of severe weather.

Officials with Lexington-Richland 5, Lexington 1, Lexington 2, Lexington 3, Richland 1, Richland 2, Sumter County, Newberry County and Clarendon 2 have adjusted plans to send children home earlier than usual and in some instances make the rest of the day an e-learning day.

The changes were made because of the forecast that includes the possibility of heavy rain, strong thunderstorms, damaging wind and the possibility of tornadoes and flooding.

Concern over travel conditions for drivers in the afternoon was a motivating factor.

Additionally, both Midlands Technical College, South Carolina State University and Claflin University are canceling afternoon classes.

Here’s a look at each district’s specific plans:

Lexington-Richland 5

• All intermediate schools release at 10:30 a.m.
• All elementary schools release at 10:40 a.m.
• Academy for Success release at 11:20 a.m.
• All middle schools release at 11:35 a.m.
• Spring Hill High School release at 11:40 a.m.
• All other high schools release at 11:55 a.m.
  
  

• Faculty and staff will be dismissed from district schools and offices at 1 p.m.

Lexington 1

• Full-day, Pre-K programs and elementary schools dismiss at 11:20 a.m.
• Half-day preschool programs (morning and afternoon sessions) will not meet
• Middle schools dismiss at 12:10 p.m.
• High schools dismiss at 12:40 p.m.

Lexington 2

▪ Middle schools will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.

▪ Elementary schools will dismiss at 12:15 p.m.

▪ High schools will dismiss at 1 p.m.

▪ All after-school events and activities, including after-school care, are canceled at all schools

Lexington 3

▪ Batesburg-Leesville Primary School will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.

▪ B-L Elementary School will dismiss at 11:45 a.m.

▪ B-L Middle School will dismiss at 12:15 p.m.

▪ B-L High School will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.

Richland 1

• Elementary schools will dismiss at 11 a.m.

• High schools will dismiss at 11:45 a.m.

• Middle schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.

▪ Students will be served breakfast and lunch before they are dismissed

▪ All after-school programs and activities, including athletics games and practices, are canceled

▪ Employees also will be dismissed early

Richland 2

▪ Middle schools will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.

▪ Elementary schools will dismiss at 12:15 p.m.

▪ High schools will dismiss at 1 p.m.

▪ All after-school events and activities, including after-school care, are canceled

Sumter County

▪ Elementary schools will dismiss at 10:30 a.m.

▪ Middle schools will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.

▪ High schools will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.

Newberry County

▪ Elementary students will dismiss at 11 am.

▪ Middle and high school students will dismiss at 11:30 am.

▪ Students will be provided lunch before dismissal

▪ All after school and athletic events are canceled

Clarendon 2

▪ Manning Early Childhood Center, Manning Primary School, and Manning Elementary School will dismiss at 11 a.m.

▪ Manning Junior High School, Manning High School, Manning Optional Educational Center will dismiss at 11:20 a.m.

Midlands Tech

▪ All Midlands Technical College campuses will close beginning at 1 p.m.

▪ Classes are cancelled starting at 12:45 p.m.

▪ Normal schedule is expected to resume Wednesday

S.C. State

▪ Campus will close at 2 p.m.

▪ Washington Dining Hall and The Pitt quick-serve dining area in the Student Center will close at 4:30 p.m.

▪ Faculty and staff are asked to vacate Belcher Hall, Davis Hall, Hodge Hall, Crawford Engineering Building and Lewis Laboratories by 2 p.m.

▪ Students are advised to remain in their residence halls throughout the inclement weather

Claflin University

▪ University offices and classes will end at 2 p.m.

▪ All other on-campus events are also postponed

This is a developing story, check back to see if there are any additional changes, or if any other area school districts adjust their schedules.

This story was originally published April 5, 2022 at 7:02 AM.

Noah Feit

The State

803-771-8435

Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription