Our school administration has continually monitored the approach of Tropical Storm Helene toward the southern United States. So far, the forecast predicts the western/upstate parts of South Carolina will have heavy rainfall beginning Thursday afternoon with high winds to follow into Friday morning. Then, Friday afternoon is predicted to be clear and sunny.

Based on data from the weather models from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, the Governor's School for Agriculture will not make this event a mandatory campus evacuation. However, we will allow an option for parents who wish to sign their child out today (Wednesday, 9/25) to travel home.

If parents choose that option, those students will be required to log in to Microsoft Teams during their class times Thursday and Friday so they do not miss instruction. Students are expected to attend class virtually both days and comply with all regular assignment due dates to be counted present for the class block. Teachers will send more information about this process if we have students who sign out.

If high winds persist Friday after school, for students with horses/cows/goats and trailers, we will highly recommend the student do not pull their trailer/animal home. If that is a concern to any parents, we suggest trailering those animals home today.

We are canceling off-campus activities for Thursday and will decide for Friday as we continue to monitor the storm.

In case of a power outage, the Governor's School for Agriculture does have generators in several of our residential halls and cafeteria. Some residential halls may have to temporarily relocate to a building with a generator.

For additional information, contact the agency administration at timothy.keown@delahowe.sc.gov.