Larry Horton
District 55 School Superintendent
Families with children need workable plans dealing with bad weather school closures. A number of issues can create major disruptions and problems in normal plans and activities. Listed below are some things to consider.
Always be sure your children come to school dressed appropriately for not only the current conditions when they leave in the morning, but also for forecasted weather changes later in the day. Winter weather can change in a matter of hours. A sunny morning can abruptly change to a raining or snowing afternoon. Listen to weather forecasts regularly. If changes are forecast, layers of clothing are recommended.
Make sure you have plans for emergency care for students when school is cancelled due to bad weather. Older students in your neighborhood might be candidates for babysitting. Contact potential babysitters in advance so you know coverage will not be a problem.
Occasionally a winter storm hits during the school day. This means administrators must weigh the risks of keeping students in school with the need to get students home safely and then decide when to dismiss school. Be sure your child’s school has your up-to-date emergency contact information in their files. When weather threatens, monitor the local media for announcements about school closures (if you are registered with Flash Alert, it will contact your cell phone and/or computer). Closing school early is rarely done because some students may not have any supervision waiting at home. However, in the event an early release is made, listen to the radio for possible early release times, check your computer at (www.flashalert.net) or contact your children’s schools.
Be alert to changing weather. Overnight, a winter storm can dump snow, ice or freezing rain on your neighborhood. Our local radio and television stations begin media announcements about school delays and closures around 6:00 a.m. Local stations which broadcast for the Sweet Home Schools are radio stations KFIR- 720 AM, KRKT- 99.9 FM, KGAL- 1580 AM, KXPC- 103.7 FM and KUGN- 590 AM. Television stations broadcasting Sweet Home School announcements include KATU- Channel 2 (Portland Station) and KEZI- Channel 9 (Eugene Station).
The district also participates in a program called “Flash Alert.” This program actually sends text messages to your cell phone and/or computer when the District makes a decision to alter the normal school schedules (closures, delays, etc.). Parents, staff and community members may register for this service by going to the district’s Web site (www.sweethome.k12.or.us), clicking on the “Weather Closure” tab and following the directions. This service is free if you have text messaging on your cell phone. This is the quickest and most up-to-date way of knowing what the district is doing in regards to closures or delays.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!