2009-10 GUIDELINES

Last year we dismissed school one day because of the weather. This is average; we typically do not miss more than one or two days. Some years we don’t have any weather problems at all.

We are excited to offer, for a second year, the text message and email alert service to help inform you about school closures and unplanned early dismissals. TextCast is a voluntary service provided to the community free of charge. This service will allow subscribers to sign up to get important emergency information about the schools in USD 489 via text messages and emails directly to their mobile phones, wireless PDA or pager. These messages will include emergency information, school closings, and unplanned early dismissals. This is free to subscribers and is a SPAM-free application; however, text messaging charges may be incurred by the user. Users are encouraged to check their cellular phone plans for specific details regarding fees. Please visit the USD 489 homepage: www.usd489.com Select the ‘USD 489 Alerts’ icon on the homepage and subscribe to the service.

It is time to plan for the 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 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 review the following points:

• USD 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, do not send them when wind chills are dangerously low.

Even though we have had 43 cancellations and two early dismissals in the last 22 years, we have had very few troubles. Good preparation again this year will prevent problems.

Fred Kaufman, Superintendent

ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR CLOSURES WILL BE MADE ON:

KAYS KHAZ KJLS KFIX KQQY KWCH – TV KBSH – TV KAKE-TV KHCT KSN – KSNC