Helene debris brings changes in Richmond County school bus routes
- Deaths: Helene takes 31st victim in CSRA, a 65-year-old in Aiken County
- Communication: When Comcast expects to restore service across CSRA
- 911: Local calls skyrocket for burglaries, looting and rescues
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Students in the Richmond County School System will return to the classroom on Wednesday, according to school officials – and there will have to be some changes to bus routes because of Hurricane Helene debris.
Meanwhile, Aiken County schools will resume their normal schedule Wednesday after delaying the start of class by two hours for two days.
Richmond County
In Richmond County, bus drivers worked over the weekend to complete trial runs of their routes.
They found some roads and neighborhoods are still imable for school buses.
Families express concerns as Richmond County kids return to classroom
Thousands of Richmond County students are packing their bags and getting ready to go back to the classroom for the first time in more than two weeks.
Because of that, there will be changes to several bus routes, including alternate bus stop locations and delays to pick-up and drop-off times.
The school district says parents are encouraged to drive their children to school, if possible.
For those who use bus transportation, the district on Tuesday will post updated information at https://www.rcboe.org/Page/91432.
The district’s transportation hotline is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 706-796-4777 for questions and concerns.
SOAR Academy Helene SOAR Academy looks for a new home
Many people, businesses and schools are still recovering from Hurricane Helene weeks later. SOAR Academy is one of the schools that had so much damage, they’ve had to stop school.
“We anticipate car and bus transportation delays as our families and bus drivers navigate routes over the next week,” the district said Monday in a statement. “We understand this is an inconvenience, and we appreciate our families’ patience as we all work to safely transport our students.”
The school system says students will have access to school counselors and mental health professionals starting Oct. 16 for emotional .
For students who have been displaced by Hurricane Helene, the school officials say resources are available. To receive these resources, visit rcboe.info/hurricanerelief to fill out a form for assistance, and a district representative will reach out to you.
Aiken County
Schools were on fall break from Sept. 30 to Oct. 11.
Students returned Monday, but the school day was delayed by two hours on that day and Tuesday.
The normal schedule resumes Wednesday.
The school district says the delayed start was meant to help increase visibility as school buses, student walkers, and others traveled to school, ensuring safety as they navigate roads that may still have fallen trees and debris following Hurricane Helene.
“We understand this change may be challenging for many families and appreciate your patience and cooperation,” the school district said.
School officials said Monday the Hammond Hill neighborhood in North Augusta remained a concern.
“We are currently exploring transportation options for students residing in that neighborhood and will communicate with impacted families over the coming days once a determination is made,” the school district said.
Columbia County
The Columbia County School District held an employee workday on Oct. 8 and had a two-day school week, with students attending school on Oct. 9 and 10.
Students did not attend school on Oct. 11 because it was a scheduled fall break.
Students and all staff were off on Oct. 14 for the Columbus Day holiday.
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 15, school officials say students must complete the appropriate form to ride an alternate school bus route than assigned, due to displacement from the storm.
As road conditions improve, the school system asks parents to monitor the Edulog Lite School Bus Tracker App for daily updates on route changes and bus stop information.
Those without power or an internet connection can call 706-541-2729.
Other school updates
- Augusta Prep students returned to school on Oct. 7.
- Augusta Technical College has reopened for students.
- Augusta University reopened with a “modified instructional plan” on Oct. 7.
- Aiken Technical College offices and student services resumed regular operations on Oct. 9.
- Allendale County schools and district offices reopened last week.
- Bamberg County schools have reopened.
- Barnwell County schools have reopened.
- Burke County students will return Oct. 21 after the fall break.
- The Edgefield County School District returned after fall break on Oct. 14.
- Emanuel County students returned to class on Oct. 9.
- Glascock County students were off through Monday, Oct. 14.
- Hancock County schools reopened Oct. 7.
- Jefferson County schools are tentatively scheduled to reopen Oct. 16.
- Jenkins County schools reopened Oct. 14.
- Lincoln County schools reopened Oct. 7.
- McDuffie County School System students were off through Oct. 14.
- Orangeburg County students will return Oct. 15.
- Paine College resumed classes and full operations on Oct. 7. School officials say fall break has been canceled.
- Richmond County students return to the classroom Oct. 16.
- Saluda County students returned Oct. 14.
- Screven County schools resumed normal operations on Oct. 7.
- Taliaferro County schools returned after fall break on Oct. 14.
- The University of South Carolina Aiken suspended classes and events until Oct. 7.
- Warren County students returned Oct. 9, with teachers returning the day before.
- Washington County schools shifted Oct. 7 to an inservice day for faculty and staff only.
- Wilkes County schools have resumed, but student absences due to the hurricane will be excused.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
