Flexible Instructional Day Schedule

Inclement Weather Letter

Inclement Weather Support Staff

School Closing Information

The District uses any or all of the following media to communicate delayed openings, early dismissal, or cancellation of school:

• District website

• eAlerts - both text and email

• Cable TV channels: Comcast 28 and Verizon 36

• Local TV news stations: Channels 3, 6, 10, and 29 show school closings on the bottom of the screen.

eAlerts - Email and Text Messages
Parents are automatically placed in our emergency alert notification system. This system allows us to communicate through email, text, and phone. The messages provide parents with information that the District wishes to bring to their attention. Most of the time this information will be sent as an email, however in the event of an emergency, notifications will be sent as a text message on your cell phone, an email, and a phone call.

eAlert Text Message Option
If you are not currently receiving text messages and would like to opt in, please text YES to 67587.

How am I notified of school closings?
The district's website and cable channel will indicate when schools are closed, opening late, or dismissing early.
Our local TV news stations (Channels 3, 6, 10, and 29) show school closings on the bottom of the TV screen.
eAlerts are sent which will notify parents by way of email, text message, and/or phone call.

Who makes the decision to close schools?
The final decision is made by the Superintendent of Schools. The decision to close schools or alter the school day (late openings/early dismissal) is taken very seriously. In the case of severe winter weather, the Superintendent consults the Supervisor of Transportation. They also take into consideration weather forecasts and any information available from local police, as well as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Every effort is made to arrive at a decision by 5 a.m. This early decision-making enables the District to notify television stations, initiate District phone chains, and post-school status on the website as well as the District cable channel.

What are the procedures for a Flexible Instructional Day (FID)?
Essentially, the same procedures are followed in making the decision to implement a Flexible Instructional Day (FID). Notification of a Flexible Instructional Day (FID) will be communicated in the same manner as a school closing.

For a schedule and expectations related to a Flexible Instructional Day (FID), please visit the following Flexible Instructional Day (FID) - Student.

What are the procedures for a delayed opening?
Essentially, the same procedures are followed in making the decision to delay the opening of the school. In some cases, weather conditions are such that hazardous weather will appreciably improve, and, with a delay of 2 hours, we are able to safely transport the students to school.

Notification of a delayed opening will be communicated in the same manner as a school closing. Buses will arrive at bus stops 2 hours later than usual and school will begin 2 hours later than usual.
DELAYED OPENING SCHEDULE:

• High School: 9:30 a.m. -2:20 p.m.

• No AM MBIT: PM MBIT will proceed as scheduled

• Middle Schools: 10:00 a.m.-2:45 p.m.

• Elementary Schools: 11:05 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

What if school is dismissed early?
Depending upon forecasts, weather, and road conditions, early dismissal may occur. We try to avoid these types of situations. Past experience has shown that when children are sent home from school early, they often are returning to empty homes with no adult supervision. This is a major concern for us.
Every effort is made to reach a decision on early dismissal prior to 10 a.m. in order to transport youngsters over our 17 square miles in a timely manner. We also make every attempt to serve lunch prior to dismissal. Should an early dismissal be called, the high school students are released first, middle school students second, and the elementary students LAST. This enables older students to be home to care for younger siblings.
EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE*

• High School - 10:30 a.m. (No PM MBIT)

• Middle Schools - 11:00 a.m.

• Elementary Schools - 11:45 a.m.

*Times might vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Are late activities and other events canceled when school is closed?
In the event of school closings or early dismissal, all after-school and evening activities are canceled. This includes non-school-sponsored activities scheduled in our schools.

What can I do to prepare my children for these situations?
Many parents find it helpful to identify a neighbor who can care for their child if the parent will not be home. It is helpful to share the name, address, and telephone number of this individual with your child's school. We also encourage you to make note of the names and phone numbers of several of your neighbors. In the event that you are not home when schools close unexpectedly, it might prove helpful to have this information with you. In the case of an early dismissal, we recommend that parents do not drive to school to pick up children who normally ride the bus. The additional traffic that this creates at the school sites and on local roadways (especially in inclement weather) can create unsafe situations and congestion.

What happens to non-public bus service in the event of school closing/early dismissal?
Non-public schools are notified of an early dismissal by the Centennial Transportation Department, and students are transported home on the same early dismissal schedule as the public schools. Non-public schools will not be provided bus service when Centennial Schools are closed.