Dear Parents:
There are a number of questions each year about early dismissals and the closing of schools for inclement weather or other emergencies. The decision to close schools, keep them open or dismiss students early is made after careful examination of current weather conditions or projected changes in the weather. We also send out “road patrols” to make sure we have information about local weather conditions because weather and road conditions can vary across the county. The following is an explanation of the district school closing procedures.
When it is necessary to close or dismiss schools for any emergency, including inclement weather, announcements are made on radio broadcasts by 6:30 a.m. The district contacts the radio stations and TV affiliates listed below:
- WHAM-1180 AM
- WBEE-92.5 FM
- WARM-101.3 FM
- WROC-(CH.8)
- GRC-(CH.9)
- WHEC-(CH.10)
- WOKR-(CH.13)
CLOSED CAPTIONED ANNOUNCEMENTS, CHANNELS 8, 9, 10, 13
When school is closed for the day or is dismissed early, all evening school activities will be canceled; including games, practices, club meetings, continuing education classes, and other student activities. The only exception would be a major district-wide event, such as a concert, involving hundreds of students which might be held if the weather clears before evening.
Schools will be dismissed early or closed due to inclement weather only when absolutely necessary because of safety concerns. We urge you to follow these guidelines if an early dismissal is called:
1. Special circumstances in the home (working parents, baby-sitter directions, etc.) should be reported in writing to the classroom teacher. Please be sure your child knows where to go in your neighborhood if you are not at home.
2. Please do not call the schools. Phone lines must remain open for emergency calls and to notify the media.
3. Please do not drive to the school during inclement weather or during a school-closing emergency. School driveways must be clear to allow access by school buses.
4. Students normally using school bus transportation will be released to their parents only after being properly signed out at the school office. Only children with a written release from their own parents will be allowed to leave with other persons.
Provisions made by the school district during early dismissal due to an emergency include:
1. The decision to release students to walk home or intermediate level students to walk with primary students will be made by the school principal.
2. The schools will be supervised by staff until all students have departed the grounds.
3. The district is equipped to provide for students in the event it is necessary to keep them in school for several hours or overnight. This information will be reported on the radio stations listed above.
Questions or concerns regarding this letter should be directed to your school principal.
Sincerely,
Mary Alice Price
Superintendent
