News Summary
As a winter storm approaches, schools in the Charlotte area are implementing remote learning and cancellations to ensure student safety. Key districts like Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Alexander County are closing for in-person classes, while others across the region are altering schedules, with early dismissals and virtual learning days. Important measures are being taken to prepare for potential power outages and road conditions. Students must stay at home as they prepare for significant snow and ice accumulation over the weekend.
Charlotte Area Schools Shift Gears for Winter Storm
The Charlotte area is gearing up for a winter blast, with a Winter Storm Warning in effect starting Friday at 7 a.m. lasting through Saturday morning. With predictions of significant ice and snow, school districts in and around Charlotte have made the decision to alter their typical schedules and turn to remote learning to keep students safe and sound.
School Closures and Remote Learning Days
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools announced they will be closing their doors on Friday and transitioning to a full day of remote learning. However, students will only partake in asynchronous instruction, which means they won’t be expected to log in at specific times but will have assignments to complete throughout the day.
Meanwhile, Alexander County Schools is also ready to adapt by hosting a virtual learning day on Friday. Similarly, Anson County Schools will experience an early dismissal, with elementary schools letting out at 11 a.m. and middle and high schools rolling out at noon. As for after-school programs and activities, they’ll be taking a break on both Friday and Saturday in Anson County.
Other districts are following suit as well. Ashe County Schools are operating remotely, while Cabarrus County Schools will close completely for the day, no make-up day needed thanks to extra hours built into their calendar. The popular KIDS: PLUS program will be on pause in Cabarrus County for Friday.
Early Dismissals Around the Region
Down south, Caldwell County Schools are dismissing students three hours early on Friday, with the Wraparound program also closed. Meanwhile, Catawba County Schools will be shutting their doors to students, but there will be an optional workday for teachers — plus, they’ve postponed the district-wide spelling bee to February 7th.
Chester County Schools are making the move to remote learning, with after-school activities canceled from Friday through Sunday. Over in Fort Mill, schools will close for the day, switching to eLearning with all afternoon events off the calendar.
Gaston County Schools will also be having a remote learning day, with all events, including athletics, called off for the weekend. Not wanting to miss a day, Iredell-Statesville Schools will implement remote learning as well.
Impacts on Students and Parents
Kannapolis City Schools are closing for students on Friday, while Lancaster County Schools will operate an eLearning day with buildings closed all weekend. Lincoln County Schools will close for students but allow staff to work optionally. Mooresville Graded School District and Rock Hill Schools will also transition to remote learning for the day, canceling extracurricular activities.
In a broader context, Union County Public Schools are taking a break with no remote instruction and no make-up day needed. Additionally, all four York County school districts will be engaging in a virtual eLearning day on Friday.
Weather Preparedness and Community Info
A word from Duke Energy reminds residents to prepare for potential power outages by stocking up on bottled water, nonperishable food, and ensuring devices are fully charged.
This winter storm is no small matter, bringing with it the possibility of up to 5 inches of snow and ice across the mountains and northern Piedmont areas. It looks like a cozy Friday spent at home is the best option for Charlotte-area students!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charlotte-Area Schools Prepare for Winter Storm with Remote Learning
Charlotte Schools Adjust for Incoming Winter Storm
North Carolina School Districts Prepare for Ice Storm
Winter Weather Disrupts School Schedule in North Carolina
Ashe County Schools Adjust Schedules for Winter Weather
Winter Weather Wreaks Havoc Across Eastern U.S.
Winter Weather Disrupts Learning Across North Carolina Schools
Winter Storm Blair Causes Widespread Disruptions Across U.S.
Polar Vortex to Bring Freezing Temperatures to Texas Next Week
Additional Resources
- WSOC TV
- Wikipedia: Winter Storm
- Charlotte Observer
- Google Search: winter weather charlotte
- WBTV
- Google Scholar: winter storm impacts on schools
- QC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: winter weather
- Charlotte Ledger
- Google News: winter weather charlotte schools
