Inclement Weather
Emergency School Closure
This applies to:
Modification date
This policy is under review
Emergency school closure occurs when unforeseen circumstances such as broken water pipes, flooding, loss of power,severe weather, etc., warrant closure to be initiated during non-school hours. The decision to close the school is made through input from the administrators, our superintendent, and the Commander. An announcement of the closure will be broadcast on TV and/or radio, DNS, and through the base command units.
The DoDEA Notification System (DNS) allows for each school to contact all of their parents and/or staff with one phone message through an automatic dialing system. At the District level it allows a message to be sent to all parents and/or staff in the same method. This allows greater security and sharing of information with parents and staff. There is a Point of Contact (POC) at each location that has the necessary codes to access the system.
There are situations in which school may be canceled during school hours. Once again, this decision is made by the individuals stated above. Once the decision has been made to release students, staff members will alert all classrooms.Students who ride the bus will be released to board the bus at a set time. For those students who walk, ride a bike, or are picked up, they may be released once their parent/guardian has been contacted and agree with that process. If we are unable to reach a student's parent/guardian by the time teachers are released, the teacher will bring them to the office and the office staff will assist in contacting the parent. For these emergencies STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE SCHOOL GROUNDS WITHOUT THEIR PARENT/GUARDIAN BEING NOTIFIED. As stated before,please ensure all contact numbers are updated at all times with both your child's teacher and the school office.
Related regulations
School Closure
This applies to:
Modification date
This policy is under review
When snow, severe weather conditions, or other emergencies occur, it is sometimes necessary to cancel school, delay the opening of school, or dismiss classes early.
School Closings and Delays
Before the School Day Begins
If it becomes necessary to cancel or delay school due to inclement weather parents will be notified through our AdHoc system. Fort Jackson Public Affairs will also announce the information as well as local radio and TV stations.
After the School Day Has Begun
Once the school day has begun, every effort will be made to keep school in session for the entire day. Many of our children have two working parents, and we understand the problems that early dismissal might cause. The decision to close school during the day is announced as soon as possible through our AdHoc system as well as through Fort Jackson Public Affairs and local radio and TV.
- Adults at the school will take care of students while parents or guardians are being notified.
- Refrain from calling the school - telephone lines may be needed to call out for assistance.
Severe Storms Dismissal
- Students will be held in the cafeteria during heavy rain or lightening storms.
- Parents may pick up students in the car line or park and come into the school.
- Students will not be dismissed to walk home if conditions are severe.
Rainy Day Plans
We urge you to make prior arrangements with your child about rainy day transportation. When your child comes to school and it starts to rain, he/she should know what to do when school is dismissed. We will not be able to give all children permission to use the telephone. We can allow children to make phone calls of an emergency nature only.
