Beaufort County School District Keeps Classes Virtual Following Storm Helene
As we bid farewell to the last weekend of September, the city of Beaufort is feeling the lingering effects of Storm Helene, which swept through the Lowcountry recently. In light of the storm’s aftermath, the Beaufort County School District has decided to continue with virtual e-learning on Monday. This decision was announced through an email sent Sunday afternoon, bringing both good and not-so-good news to families in the area.
Classes and Activities on Hold
In a friendly update penned by district spokesperson Candace Bruder, families were informed that not only will class sessions remain online, but after-school and extracurricular activities scheduled for Monday afternoon are also canceled. This means the students will have to wait a little longer to get back to their routine, but it’s for a very good reason.
When the Storm Arrived
As Friday dawned, residents of Beaufort found themselves waking up to chaos: howling winds, fallen trees, and downed power lines littered the roads, and debris was everywhere. Storm Helene’s impact was palpable, with thousands of residents facing power outages and hazardous driving conditions. Bruder reported that power struggles continued into the weekend, with 17% of Beaufort County residents still without power by Saturday afternoon.
How the Schools Are Adapting
Understanding the situation, the district made it clear that they prioritize student well-being. In her communication, Bruder emphasized that families experiencing challenges with electricity or internet access will be provided with flexibility. Students who are struggling to keep up due to these issues will receive five additional days to complete any assignments. And for those who find themselves in particularly tough situations, the schools aim to work collaboratively to find solutions.
Keeping a Close Eye on School Conditions
As of Friday morning, Bruder and her team were busy evaluating the condition of the district’s 30-plus schools. It was a daunting task considering the storm’s destruction. According to her, more updates regarding these assessments should be on the way once everything pauses to take stock of the damage and ensure a safe return for students.
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, the Beaufort County School District is cheerfully optimistic about welcoming back students for in-person classes starting on Tuesday. Bruder reassured families that as recovery efforts continue, the district is working tirelessly to minimize disruptions to education.
A Silver Lining
In times like these, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, the district’s emphasis on student support and adaptability has turned a challenging moment into an opportunity for community resilience. Education does not stop just because of a storm — it evolves, learns, and keeps pushing forward. For the residents of Beaufort, the road to recovery may be bumpy, but with a little patience and support, they’ll find their footing again.
Stay tuned for more updates as the district assesses the ongoing situation and continues to adapt to the needs of its students and families.
