Clinton Schools Prepare to Welcome Students Back After Storm Damage
CLINTON, SC – Laurens County School District 56 (LCSD56) is set to reopen its doors to students on October 14, following significant disruptions caused by a recent storm. Superintendent Dr. David O’Shields reported that the district faced substantial challenges, including the loss of nearly $200,000 worth of food due to power outages.
What Happened
In the wake of the storm, many school buildings were affected, though they remain structurally sound. A few roof leaks and damaged trees were noted, but none of the buildings suffered severe damage. The LCSD56 administration has been working diligently, led by Cindy Jacobs, Public Information Officer, and District Safety Officer Joey Avery, to address these issues and restore normalcy in the schools.
Support for Families
Dr. O’Shields emphasized the importance of maintaining routines for students. While some football games had to be cancelled or rescheduled, team practices continued as a way to support students who were impacted by the storm. “Practices were a good way to get kids to come to school,” said Dr. O’Shields. “Some students were among the last to have their power restored, so we provided food assistance to those families.”
Feeding the Community
Clinton High School played a pivotal role in the response effort, serving as a hub for preparing and delivering hot meals to students and families in need. Jacobs noted, “We started delivering food because many couldn’t make it to us. We reached out to every apartment complex and neighborhood in the district.” This effort highlighted the district’s commitment to supporting its community during a difficult time.
Learning from Experience
As students prepare to return, Dr. O’Shields plans to incorporate lessons from these recent events into their curriculum. “We’ll likely have a post-reflection assignment to discuss their experiences,” he stated. With South Carolina reportedly experiencing the second-highest loss of life due to the storm, Dr. O’Shields believes this is an opportunity for students to learn and grow from adversity.
Excitement for Normalcy
One of the anticipated outcomes of reopening is the return to a sense of community and routine among students and educators. “School is often a home away from home for many kids,” Dr. O’Shields remarked. With teachers already checking in to prepare classrooms, the district awaits the reunion of students with their peers and teachers.
Looking Ahead
As LCSD56 moves forward, there is a collective hope for stability and healing within the community. The district is committed to ensuring that its facilities are ready for students, and everyone looks forward to resuming a normal school schedule.
With clear skies expected—highs of 53°F and lows around 34°F—Monday’s return to school will be a bright spot for Clinton’s youth as they continue to build resilience in the face of challenges.
