Last year we dismissed school five days because of the weather. This was unusual in that we ordinarily don’t dismiss more than one or two days. Some years we don’t have any weather problems at all.
It is time to plan for this possibility again. When wind chills are dangerously low or roads are hazardous, the school district is faced with a real dilemma concerning what is best for the majority of the student body. Unfortunately what is best for one student or family in terms of not having school or early dismissal often is not best for another.
The only way out of this dilemma seems to be to insure that prior planning has taken place, and to encourage parents to do what they feel is right for their children in terms of sending them to school or taking them home early. In light of these things I would like to urge you to review the following points:
U.S.D. 489 schools will be open in all except the most extreme circumstances, and only in rare instances will dismiss early once school is in progress.
Please plan with your children what they are to do in the event that school is not in session or dismissed early. This is essential if adults are not at home regularly during the school day or if children ride the buses. Be sure your children know what to do if school is dismissed early.
Parents are encouraged to make individual decisions concerning their children’s attendance during severe weather. Keep them home or take them home early if it is best. This is particularly important if weather conditions deteriorate during the day.
If children must walk to school don’t send them when wind chills are dangerously low.
Even though we have had 36 cancellations and two early dismissals in the last 19 years, we have had very few problems.
Good preparation again this year will prevent problems.
FRED KAUFMAN, SUPERINTENDENT