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North and South Carolina both announce school is out for remainder of year

FOOTHILLS—North Carolina and South Carolina governors both announced this week that schools will be closed for the remainder of the year.

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster made the announcement Wednesday and North Carolina governor Roy Cooper made the announcement Friday afternoon.

The coronavirus pandemic caused the schools to be closed, with South Carolina Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman saying keeping students on buses and in classrooms 6 feet apart would be impossible.

Spearman also said while some students are thriving with e-learning the state has in place, some families are struggling to get access to the internet.

Graduation seems impossible for seniors at this point, but many areas are planning virtual graduations.

In North Carolina, Cooper first closed schools on March 14 for two weeks and later extended that order through May 15.

Governor Cooper also this week extended the stay-at-home order until May 8, including dine-in services at restaurants. Most restaurants locally are offering drive-through or pick up services.

The North Carolina State Board of Education adopted updated grading measures for student on Thursday, which will give high school students the option of letter grades over the summer. Middle and elementary school students will only receive a passing grade or a withdrawal grade.