Safety First in Weather Decisions
As another winter season nears, the District is reminding families and community members of the process involved in making decisions about weather-related delays and cancellations.
When extreme weather threatens, information is gathered from various sources, including city, county, and state agencies, meteorologists, and through personal inspection by school personnel. The Superintendent will decide whether schools will be open. Still, it is always a parent’s decision whether or not the child attends that day.
“Student and staff safety is the overriding and deciding factor in determining whether to delay or cancel classes,” noted Dr. Dave Benson, Superintendent.
The District may delay start times when information suggests conditions will improve. When there is a two-hour school delay, all morning alternative kindergarten and morning STEP-UP Preschool classes are cancelled.
When classes are cancelled, all pre-kindergarten through grade12 programs are included. Information about after-school activities on cancelled or early dismissal days should be obtained from the school office, coach, or advisor. As a general rule, elementary and middle school activities are cancelled.
The District is reluctant to dismiss students early. Since school is a safe, supervised setting for children the District will make every effort to keep students in school with supervision until the regular dismissal time. If very dangerous weather (ice, blizzard, sub-zero temps) develops or unique circumstances (power outage) threaten student safety, however, early dismissal may be necessary. Early dismissal decisions are generally made by mid-morning. Dismissal times would be announced through the School Messenger system, e-alert system, District Web site, and local media.
Parents should avoid calling the school or District office to ask about delays or closings. Instead, please refer to the sources listed below. Unless you see/hear an announcement, assume school is running as usual.
- School Messenger call to families – parents may indicate contact preferences
- Emergency Alert Email – sign up here
- TV Channels 2, 7, 9
- Local Radio Stations
- Cable TV Channels – Mediacom Channel 17 and Imon Channel 13
- District Web site homepage