COUNTY — Following the momentous snow storm that began early Sunday, Jan. 9, schools throughout the Pickens County district remained closed all week last week.
The 7-9 inch snow accumulation created hazardous icy conditions on roadways, making it unsafe to operate school buses, and the S.C. Department of Transportation urged drivers to stay off the roads unless there was an emergency situation.
In celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, school remained closed this Monday as well.
Many parents throughout Pickens County were surely elated to be sending their children back to school yesterday; however, many students and parents are left wondering how the inclement weather hiatus from school is going to be made up.
According to Julie Thompson, Director of Communication Services for the School District of Pickens County (SDPC), three of the days missed because of inclement weather will be made up as scheduled on Friday, March 18, Monday, April 25, and Friday, June 3. These will be regular school days for all Pickens County students.
The district has yet to make a decision on making up the remaining days. Since the snowstorm affected so many school districts, the state General Assembly may consider forgiving some of the missed days, Thompson said.
SDPC superintendent Dr. Henry Hunt will also discuss alternatives with the Pickens County Delegation. If the days are not forgiven, the district will consider various options for making up the missed days.
Thompson said the district may consider using some of its spring break days to make up for days lost as a result of the unfavorable weather conditions.
As last week was a scheduled exam week, school district officials were forced to develop a contingency plan for exams. That plan was announced to students and posted on school websites.
Exams are proceeding as scheduled this week Tuesday through Thursday. 
Further adjustments to the 2010-2011 SDPC School Calendar are as follows:
Second nine weeks will end on Thursday, January 20.
Second semester will begin Friday, January 21.
High schools will transition to the new semester with A-day on Friday, January 21.
Report cards will be issued on Thursday, January 27.
No further adjustments will be made to the remaining 2010-2011 dates until the SDPC has more information about making up inclement weather days.