SMCSC Inclement Weather Procedures

Dear South Madison Community School Corporation Families and Staff,

With winter upon us, it's crucial to ensure everyone is prepared for potential weather-related disruptions. Please take a moment to review our updated inclement weather procedures and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Notification Process: We will send an email, phone call, and text message to communicate any delays or closures. Ensure your contact details are updated in PowerSchool.

Timely Updates: Every effort will be made to announce delays or closures early to minimize disruptions.

Safety Precautions: Dress children warmly and ensure a safe mode of transportation during inclement weather.

Student Learning: In the event of closure, guidance will be provided on whether we'll have a "Snow Day" or implement eLearning to meet state-required instructional days.

Stay Informed: Check ParentSquare, social media, and local news outlets for updates.

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining safety and education during the winter season. For more information, please refer to the FAQ section below.

Sincerely,

South Madison Community School Corporation

Q: What factors contribute to the decision to delay or close school due to inclement weather?

Staff from SMCSC Transportation will begin driving bus routes as early as 4:00 a.m. to evaluate area road conditions. Additionally, weather reports are reviewed from multiple agencies, including city and county officials regarding their findings during the early morning hours. The superintendent gathers information from neighboring school district leaders to determine the road conditions in their respective areas. As soon as possible, the superintendent will determine if school will be delayed and/or closed. Several other factors go into the decision-making process, such as weather forecast, time of day, wind chill and expected road conditions.

Q: Where will information be posted regarding school delays and closures?

We will notify families via phone call, email, and text messages. Information can be found on ParentSquare and social media. Check local news outlets for official updates.

Q: Why are decisions not made the night before?

Central Indiana weather is unpredictable, and real-time assessments in the morning provide accurate information for informed decisions. Generally, the decision to close or delay school is made in the morning prior to 5:30 AM. On some occasions, the decision to close or delay school may be made the evening before based on current or forecasted conditions. If a delay is posted in the evening, school personnel will continue to monitor conditions the next morning which may result in the delay changing to a closure.

Q: What type of student instruction will take place during a closure?

Snow Make-Up Days are built into the calendar for emergencies. School closures (depending on when they occur in the calendar year) will be made up on the subsequent Snow Make-Up Day(s):

Monday, January 20, 2025

Monday, February 17, 2025

Friday, March 14, 2025

If Snow Make-Up Days are no longer available or at the discretion of the superintendent, all students will participate in eLearning instruction in the event of an emergency closure.

Q: How can students contact their school counselor during an eLearning day?

Counselors will monitor emails for questions during eLearning days.

Q: What if a student lacks a device or internet access at home?

Students can complete assignments on any device with internet access. Contact teachers for concerns on assignment deadlines.

Q: Will after-school activities be canceled when school is closed?

When school is closed due to inclement weather, the superintendent will determine if practices, rehearsals, or meetings shall occur. Given that a game time or performance time may be more than 10 hours after the decision to close school is made, and understanding the weather conditions can significantly improve over the course of a day, the decision regarding interschool athletic contests and major performances shall be made on a case-by-case basis by the school administration working with the district administration team.

Q: Under what circumstances will South Madison Community School Corporation implement a two-hour delay?

A two-hour delay may be implemented in response to various weather-related concerns, including but not limited to fog, snow, ice, or extreme cold temperatures. This precaution is taken to address potential hazards associated with students being outdoors for extended periods. Additionally, two-hour delays are strategic as they allow time for our buses to operate safely, especially when temperatures rise later in the morning, reducing the risk of students waiting at bus stops in bitter cold weather. Furthermore, this delay provides road crews with the necessary time to plow and treat roadways.

Q: What changes can be expected in the school day during a two-hour delay?

During a two-hour delay, there are some key adjustments to the school schedule:

• Delayed Start: All school buildings will open two hours later than their usual time.

• Breakfast Service: Breakfast will not be served during a two-hour delay, but lunch will be provided as scheduled.

• Normal Dismissal: Students will be dismissed at their regular time, ensuring a consistent end to the school day.

• Preschool: During a two-hour delay, AM Preschool classes will meet from 10:15-12:15 and PM classes will meet from 12:15-3:15.

These modifications are made with the safety and well-being of our students and staff in mind, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during such situations.

Q: How will the two-hour delay impact my child's morning bus pick-up time?

Bus pick-up schedules are delayed by two hours during a two-hour delay.

Q: Does Kids Connection operate on days that school is delayed or closed?

If school is closed, Kids Connection will also be closed. If school is delayed, Kids Connection will open at 6:30 AM to provide care until school starts. Only students enrolled in Kids Connection can attend on school delay days. If a school delay is extended to a school closure, students will need to be picked up within two hours of the closure notification. If school is dismissed early, Kids Connection will operate for two hours from the time of the early dismissal.

Q: Why does South Madison Community School Corporation opt for a two-hour delay rather than a full-day closure?

A balance between safety and instructional time, maximizing education while addressing inclement weather conditions.

Q: Why do other districts delay or close while South Madison Community School Corporation remains open?

Each district has unique conditions. Our decision is based on comprehensive assessments of road conditions within our district.

Q: My neighborhood seems safe to drive. Why the delay or closure?

Diverse road types and terrains across the district necessitate decisions considering the safety of all students and staff.

Q: My streets are icy. Why wasn't school delayed or closed?

We strongly advise parents and teenage drivers to exercise extreme caution when driving in less-than-ideal weather conditions. While your specific neighborhood may experience slick roads, it's important to remember that weather conditions can vary throughout the district, and our decisions are made to prioritize the safety of all students and staff in every part of our district.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sincerely,

South Madison Community School Corporation