FALLSINGTON, PA —The chill is in the air. And snow may be in the forecast later this week.
The Pennsbury School District wants to be prepared for wintry weather and has sent out a notice to the school community about how it will deal with snow, sleet, ice, and frigid temperatures.
Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith, in an email to the school community, said that recent cold weather reminds everyone that winter weather will soon be upon us, bringing possible school closures, delayed openings, and/or early dismissals.
Smith wanted to walk everyone through the process of how school decisions are made.
How is a weather-related closing or delay decision made?
In the very early hours of the morning, Smith and staff study weather forecasts and conditions in the community and confer with area superintendents.
The final decision rests with the superintendent, who receives advice from the Directors of Facilities and Transportation, the local emergency services personnel, and other key administrators.
There are numerous factors to consider, with the safety of students and staff at the top of the list, Smith said.
On new addition this year is that all weather-related closures will be remote learning days, the superintendent said.
“In an effort to end the school year as early as possible, the calendar committee recommended that we move to remote learning days for all weather-related closures. Remote learning days count toward the 180 instructional days required by the state,” Smith said.
The district has included detailed information on Remote Learning Days for elementary, middle, and high school students. Click here to review the Remote Learning Days website.
How do I know if we are moving to remote learning?
If a storm is forecast, the district will issue a Remote Learning Advisory so staff and families can prepare. This will include elementary students being sent home with Chromebooks.
If a storm is forecast on Sunday night or Monday morning, the district will issue a Remote Learning Advisory on Friday just to be prepared.
Elementary families should have received a packet of work at their Fall Parent Conferences to use in case of a power or internet outage.
How will we inform families about a weather decision?
The decision to close schools or have a delayed opening will be made no later than 5:30 a.m. An early dismissal must be determined before 10 a.m.
As in the past, the district notifies families of a school closing, delay, or early dismissal by phone.
The communication occurs between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. for a closing and by 10 a.m. for an early dismissal. Families will receive a phone call, email notification, and text message (if opted in).
Families will receive notifications using the contact information listed in PowerSchool.
Closure or delay information will also be placed on the district website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Whenever possible, the district will decide the night before a weather emergency. In those cases, communication will be sent before 10 p.m.
“As we prepare for the season of ice, snow, and cold, and the challenges that winter weather brings, thank you in advance for your patience and understanding,” Smith said.
