Inclement Weather Information
As the winter months approach, it is important to review the procedures the District uses during periods of inclement weather. For those of you who have older children attending school, these procedures have not changed from last school year. For those who are “new to school” parents, or new to District 6, please keep this memo for quick reference to our Weather Line and website. We are committed to the safe and efficient transportation of students and recognize that it may be necessary to cancel bus run(s), close school(s), or delay school opening due to poor weather or road conditions.
The following options are considered when deciding what to do during inclement weather conditions:
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Schools will remain open as usual. No radio announcements will be made. No message will be displayed on the school district website.
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All schools are closed for the day. An announcement will be relayed to radio stations prior to 6:30 a.m. for broadcast. Parents are urged to listen to the radio stations early in the morning, particularly on days when the weather is inclement. A message will be displayed on the school district website. Parents can also call the “SNOW” line (848-7669) to hear a recorded message.
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Some schools in the district are closed. Appropriate announcements will be made to the radio stations as outlined above.
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Buses are delayed one hour. All schools in the district will open at their regular time to receive students. Appropriate announcements will be made to radio stations as outlined above.
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Schools may be closed early. This could happen on days when the weather conditions are anticipated to deteriorate significantly during the day. Every effort will be made to notify parents, and an announcement will be relayed to radio stations. Parents are urged to ensure that alternate arrangements are in place if schools are dismissed early.
During the winter months, there may be occasions when the condition of a particular road along a driver’s route is considered hazardous. Cancellation or delay of individual bus runs may be required. When possible, this information will be announced on the radio.
While the loss of valuable instruction time is a concern, the safety of students is always paramount. In making our decision, we consult with the Department of Transportation, neighbouring Districts, and an Environment Canada website with hourly reports and graphs of weather conditions. Please keep in mind the decision to close or remain open must be made by 6:30 a.m., and we make our decision based on the information we have at that time. Ultimately, parents have the final decision in inclement weather situations. If you feel that walking/driving conditions in your particular area are hazardous, you may choose not to send your child/children to school. Absences on these days will not be a factor in determining a student’s attendance record.
Zoë Watson, Superintendent
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