Snow Day Decisions - How do we make those, anyway?The snow has already flown and we can anticipate that weather will present challenges ahead over the next several months. As you might imagine, we get phone calls regarding school closing decisions. Its not an easy call but the primary driving force is student safety.
Before 5 a.m. on a weather-challenged day, Superintenden John Alberghini is in contact with the Transportation Manager to find out the status of roads. The Transportation Manager contacts all of the road crews throughout Chittenden East to determine if roads can be safely traveled. In addition to the information obtained from road crews, the Superintendent uses local and national reports to monitor weather patterns. At 5:30 am, the Superintendent checks back with the Transportation Supervisor to get updated details on road conditions and makes a decision based on the road crews recommendations and current weather predictions.
When there is a change in the school day, the announcement will be broadcast on radio, TV, online at www.sover.net/schoolclosings and displayed on school websites. A message will be delivered to you via email or phone by the AlertNow system. Should your power or phone be out of service, a battery-operated radio is a good emergency item to have at home that will allow you to be aware of emergency situations.
The Superintendent needs to be reasonably sure that:
· The roads/highways are safely passable.
· There is power available to the schools.
· Pedestrians can move around safely to and from school.
· The building exits can be cleared in the event of a possible evacuation.
As parents, there are decisions that you are making on these tricky mornings as well. For instance:
· Are you comfortable sending your child on the roads? You always have the freedom to keep your child
home for the day if not.
· Is it advisable for your teenage driver to be at the wheel on icy or snow-covered roads?
· In the event of early dismissal, is it clear to my child what the plan will be?
· The buses can travel safely.
Our hope is to hold school throughout the winter months on schedule. Safe travels!
Before 5 a.m. on a weather-challenged day, Superintenden John Alberghini is in contact with the Transportation Manager to find out the status of roads. The Transportation Manager contacts all of the road crews throughout Chittenden East to determine if roads can be safely traveled. In addition to the information obtained from road crews, the Superintendent uses local and national reports to monitor weather patterns. At 5:30 am, the Superintendent checks back with the Transportation Supervisor to get updated details on road conditions and makes a decision based on the road crews recommendations and current weather predictions.
When there is a change in the school day, the announcement will be broadcast on radio, TV, online at www.sover.net/schoolclosings and displayed on school websites. A message will be delivered to you via email or phone by the AlertNow system. Should your power or phone be out of service, a battery-operated radio is a good emergency item to have at home that will allow you to be aware of emergency situations.
The Superintendent needs to be reasonably sure that:
· The roads/highways are safely passable.
· There is power available to the schools.
· Pedestrians can move around safely to and from school.
· The building exits can be cleared in the event of a possible evacuation.
As parents, there are decisions that you are making on these tricky mornings as well. For instance:
· Are you comfortable sending your child on the roads? You always have the freedom to keep your child
home for the day if not.
· Is it advisable for your teenage driver to be at the wheel on icy or snow-covered roads?
· In the event of early dismissal, is it clear to my child what the plan will be?
· The buses can travel safely.
Our hope is to hold school throughout the winter months on schedule. Safe travels!
