USD 210 - Hugoton Schools    Weather Related School Closing

How the decision is made

Closing school due to inclement weather is one of the most difficult decisions a superintendent makes, involving the educational needs of the students, family childcare arrangements, and transportation safety.

Before making the decision, Superintendent Mark Crawford receives data from district employees and county officials about the weather conditions across the 575 square miles of the district, in an attempt to gather the most reliable information possible. He also receives a professional weather service report by 5:00 a.m., and then confers with area superintendents and/or area district officials.

The superintendent specifically evaluates the amount of snowfall, current road conditions and the potential for icing, temperature, timing and duration of the storm, the safety of student drivers, readiness of school parking lots and sidewalks and availability of buses and drivers.

On any day when weather is a concern, parents may choose to delay the arrival of their children to school, not send them on that day or pick them up early during the day.

The decision to cancel school is typically made by 6 a.m. and immediately sent out to area TV and radio stations. Bus drivers and principals are notified by School Reach. The message will be relayed to additional staff via calling trees or School Reach. While it is preferable to make the decision the night before, it is not usually possible.

Early Dismissal: If a winter weather condition develops while school is in session, early dismissal of school may be required. However, such would only occur under the most extreme conditions. If a decision is made during the school day, the different types of communication listed above would also be used to notify parents and employees

including School Reach. In the case of early dismissal, after school is in session, school administrators and staff will work with parents as much as possible to assist in the safety of all students. Parents are advised to make prior plans with their children for such a situation.

Cierre de la Escuela

En Relación con el Clima

USD 210- Escuelas Hugoton

Como es tomada la decisión

Cerrar la escuela debido al mal tiempo es una de las decisiones mas difíciles que un superintendente tiene que tomar, pues tiene que tomar en cuenta las necesidades educativas del estudiante, los arreglos que la familia tiene que hacer para el cuidado de los niños y la seguridad en el transporte. 

Antes de hacer la decisión, el Superintendente Mark Crawford recibe información de los empleados del distrito y de oficiales del condado sobre las condiciones del clima de los alrededores de las 575 millas cuadradas del distrito, con la intención de recopilar la información más fiable posible.  También recibe información profesional del estado del tiempo la cual es reportada a las 5:00a.m., y luego la consulta con los superintendentes del área y/o otros funcionarios del distrito. 

El superintendente evalúa la cantidad de nieve que cae, condiciones de los caminos y las posibilidades de formación de hielo, temperatura, tiempo y duración de la tormenta, la seguridad de los alumnos que manejan, la limpieza de los estacionamientos y banquetas de las escuelas y la disponibilidad de autobuses y chóferes. 

En esos días cuando el clima es una preocupación, los padres pueden tomar la decisión de traer los niños tarde a la escuela o de no enviarlos a la escuela ese día.