VALLEY CITY PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT #2 Descriptor Code Issued/Date 2710 VALLEY CITY, 58072 Rescinded Revised/Date WINTER STORM POLICY

WINTER STORM POLICY

Fall can be a very beautiful time of the year, but we all realize that winter weather, which can be very dangerous, is just around the corner. With that in mind, I would like to review our winter weather policy and also discuss with you the procedures followed when making the decision to delay or call off school. Procedures: When I am faced with making this decision, the top priority in my mind is the safety of our students and staff. Typically, on a day where inclement weather is forecast, my day starts with a call to a National Weather Service forecaster at 5:00AM. I could end up calling the National Weather Service several times before I make a decision. The updated forecast for the morning is issued at that time, and I rely heavily on this information. Luther Dietrich or Don Enger, of Dietrich’s Bus Service, and I visit a number of times concerning the operation of our buses on their routes. I also make calls to area school Superintendents and I may call Law Enforcement Agencies along with our City Maintenance Supervisor. We will once again use the ALERT NOW calling system for winter weather emergencies. This has proven to be a great communication tool as our parents and staff will receive a phone call in regards to a decision affecting the operation of school for the day. There will also be an email message sent to parents and staff. I do my best to have this decision made by 6:30AM, but there could be times it ends up later than that. KOVC Radio (1490 AM on your dial) is the first media station called. If you hear that school is delayed, it is important that you continue to monitor the situation as school could be cancelled and that announcement would come later. If we have school on a blustery day, please continue to monitor the situation as there could be an announcement of early dismissal if the weather conditions would deteriorate. If you are not certain of the status of school for the day, please call the school before venturing out. Other radio and TV stations that will be notified are as follows: RADIO: KQDJ – 101.1 FM on your radio dial (Jamestown) KSJB – 600 AM on your radio dial (Jamestown) TV: KXJB – Channel 4 WDAY – Channel 6 KVLY – Channel 11 Starting Times if School is Delayed 1) A one hour delay means school starts at 9:30 AM for Jr/Sr High students, 9:40 AM for Grades K-6. 2) A two hour delay means school starts at 10:30 AM for Jr/Sr High students and 10:40 AM for Grades K-6. Early Morning Activities, Practices and Field Trips If the start of school is delayed, due to the weather conditions, there will be no early morning practices or school activities of any kind. This would also include field trips. Activities, Practices, Field Trips if School is Dismissed Early or Cancelled If school is dismissed early or cancelled due to the weather conditions, there will be no practices or school activities of any kind. This includes field trips. Use of Storm Homes If the decision is made that our rural buses cannot transport students home, we will be announcing that all rural students, those that rode the bus and those that drove their own vehicle, will be going to their designated storm homes. If a rural student drives to school and we have to send buses home early, those students may leave at the same time or they may ride the school bus. If you wish for your student to drive home earlier in the day, you will need to call the school and they will be dismissed at the time you request. Parental permission is required in order to release students to drive home. It is my understanding that all of our rural students have a designated storm home in town. I ask that all parents of rural students please contact the school your child attends to verify their storm home, address and phone number. You may also want to visit with the people of your designated storm home so they are aware of your plans and are available on a day of inclement weather. If we have to use storm homes, the Junior and Senior High rural students that rode the bus that day, or are brought to school by parents and have younger brothers or sisters at the elementary school, will be bused to those elementary schools on the bus they would normally ride. Rural students that drive to school would be allowed to drive to the elementary school to pick up their brother(s) or sister(s) and then go to their storm home. Final Thoughts Winter weather in our part of the country can be life-threatening. It is a matter that I take very seriously and as you can see, I gather a great deal of information before I make what can be one of the most stressful decisions for a school administrator. As a parent, you have every right to keep your child home if you feel the conditions warrant that action. There will be no penalty in regard to grades or attendance if this is your decision. You may also call the school your child attends and pick up your child early. ** If a rural student wishes to drive home early due to the weather conditions, permission from the parent(s) is required. If a rural student drives home, they will need to sign out in the High School office and call the High School office as soon as they arrive home. I want to thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding in this very important matter. Parents, please review this information with your children and others who may be involved in watching your children.