Emergency School Closures Procedure

 How is the decision made?

ü      The superintendent checks temperatures at various locations including the local reporting agency.

ü      The director of transportation checks air temperature between 6:15 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. 

ü      A decision is made in consultation with the County Road Department and various individuals around the school district area.

ü      School may be cancelled when the temperature reaches -20 degrees.

ü      Wind chill factor may be taken into consideration.   

 How will you know if school is cancelled?

ü      When the decision is made to close schools, phone calls are made to the local radio stations, area news stations, as well as to all building principals, teachers and elementary students.

ü      Listen to the local radio stations KBRV FM 94.7 or KITT FM 100.1 and TV Stations 3, 6, and 8.

ü      If you are signed up for Txtwire notification, you may receive a notification electronically.

ü      To sign up for Txtwire, visit our website at www.sodaschools.org and follow the instructions  on the home page by clicking on Mobile Alert System. This system allows alerts via text or email. 

 If school is closed, will the alternative school (Caribou High) be in session? 

ü      Please note that although district schools may be closed due to weather conditions, CHS, may be in session.  

 Could a “late start”  be implemented?

ü      A “late start” could be implemented if the district experiences an unusually high number of school closure days. 

ü      A “late start” school day will be implemented when weather conditions are permissible.  School will begin at 10:00 a.m. and dismissed at the normal time.

ü      “Late start” will be announced via the radio stations, teacher and student phone trees b 6:45 a.m. 

What if temperatures are colder in Wayan than in Soda Springs? 

ü      A major safety issue with subzero temperatures is busing.  Often time, the temperature in Wayan is below the standard -20 degrees that is used as a guideline to close the district schools.  The length of the Wayan route makes timely rescue of students from an incapacitated bus difficult. The following communication protocol has been recommended: 

ü      When the temperature in Wayan is -20 degree the board member, will call the superintendent who will then contact the director of transportation.  

ü      The transportation director will contact the bus driver  

ü      Bus driver will notify the riders

ü      The decision to cancel the bus will be made between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m. 

ü      The bus could run at a later time if the weather permits.  Students will not be penalized if they are unable to come to school or if they arrive late. They will be allowed to makeup any work missed.   

How does a school closure effect activities? 

ü      In most cases, all activities will be cancelled.  However, consideration concerning after school

ü      activities will be made on a case by case basis taking into consideration the safety of our students. 

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This page was last updated: 02/23/2010

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