Columbia County cancels after-school events, Richmond County to dismiss early amid weather
The forecast of inclement winter weather has canceled Columbia County's after-school activities like sports, dance and drama clubs for Friday and prompted a decision to dismiss early in Richmond County.
According to a news release provided by Associate Superintendent Penny Jackson, Columbia County school hours have not been changed at all and there are also no changes to any programs before school. The school district's after-school day care programming has also not been affected.
The change is in response to Winter Storm Jasper heading to the southeast. As of Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service says residents could expect the temperature to drop down into the 20s with possible snow, sleet or freezing rain.
More: Freezing rain in forecast brings threat of slippery roads, black ice
Jackson said the school district is working closely with local emergency management and weather officials as conditions are monitored.
In Richmond County
Richmond County School System spokesperson Lynthia Ross announced at 6:34 p.m. that schools will have early release Friday. Schools will release three hours earlier than their normal dismissal times – schools that get out at 2:30 p.m. dismiss at 11:30 a.m. and schools that get out at 3:25 p.m. dismiss at 12:25 p.m.
Latest school closure: Belair K-8 temporarily closes due to COVID-19
More: Richmond County games cancelled Friday amid early release for students
Aiken County's school district has shifted to full distance learning only on Friday as a precaution to the weather, according to a message posted on the school district's website.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Weather prompts Columbia County, Richmond County schools to alter schedules
