Inclement Weather
Inclement Weather: School Closing Information
From time to time,
the school system must make decisions regarding the weather. In
every case, safety of all children is the first concern.
During any inclement
weather event, school officials closely monitor weather reports and are
in contact with Winston County EMA, neighboring school systems, and the
Winston County Sheriff Department.
The Winston County School
System uses the Schoolcast Notification System to inform parents,
students and employees of weather related events, school closings or
early dismissals. It is very important that parents keep the
notification system updated with correct phone numbers by logging into
the online program or notifying the school secretary.
Closings Before the School Day Begins:
The Winston County School
System always tries to give parents as much notice as possible when
closing schools. However, since weather is sometimes unpredictable, it
is possible that a decision on closing schools may not be made until
morning.
Closings After the School Day Has Begun:
It is important for
parents to discuss the possibility of an early closing due to inclement
weather with their children. Establishing a plan for such occasions will
help to eliminate confusion and worry for the child and will provide
assurance for the parent and the school that the child is safe and
secure.
If a tornado warning is in
effect during the school day, we will not release the students until the
warning has been lifted – even if the regular school day has ended. We
urge parents to refrain from picking up their child DURING A TORNADO
WARNING for safety reasons. If you are at school to pick up your child,
parents and other adults must stay calm and focused, mindful that their
actions and comments will be the example that, to a great extent,
determines the children’s response.