October 23, 2024
Dear Dunlap School District Parents/Guardians:
As we begin experiencing more significant winter weather, I would like to share some information on weather-related school closings so that you will be prepared for the days and weeks ahead. Student safety is always our first consideration when it comes to canceling school or events. Three factors impact the decision to close schools due to weather: road conditions, temperature, and visibility.
All school cancellations will be communicated through the phone notification system, the District website, the District Facebook page, and local media (WEEK and WMBD).
Snow Days
Snow is the most common reason for closing school. Factors considered are:
● Accumulation and drifting
● Icing
● Wind speeds (particularly for the county)
● Temperature
● Road conditions
● Forecast estimates for continued precipitation
When these conditions exist, I drive the bus routes within the district in order to get an idea of the road conditions. If the road and weather conditions are questionable, I then consult with a number of different people including, our maintenance director, area superintendents, and our transportation director. There is no single rule of thumb for accumulation amounts and much of the decision depends on the presence of blowing and/or drifting snow. Every effort will be made to make a decision and inform families as quickly as possible, but a decision to cancel school and/or events will not be based solely on a forecast.
Temperature
Extreme temperatures are a part of our winters. These temperatures impact man and machine. This year we will utilize the NOAA/National Weather Service Wind Chill Chart as part of our informed decision making process. The chart is not used as an absolute. Instead, it guides the decision making process along with the forecast (e.g., how quickly a warm-up is expected to take place). When persistent cold temperatures combined with wind chills have the potential to lead to frostbite in less than 30 minutes of exposure, it is unlikely that school will be in attendance.
Factors considered in closing school due to extreme low temperatures are:
● Temperature
● Wind
● Duration and Timing of Cold Temps
● Safe Operation of Buses
If temperatures are extremely low and we DO NOT cancel school, we ask that our parents ensure that their children wear appropriate cold weather clothing (winter coats, hats and gloves). Bus riders should remain in their homes until the bus arrives. Our bus drivers have been instructed to wait for students to come out of the house on cold weather days. Because of these delays and because of the inclement weather, buses will be late. There is no way of notifying parents when exactly their child’s bus will arrive. If a specific bus is running late due to a malfunction or accident, parents will be notified; otherwise, please assume that the bus will eventually arrive.
Late Starts
Late starts will be considered on days when conditions are such that student safety will improve (e.g., driving conditions) by delaying the start of the school day. If conditions are expected to improve quickly and/or a short delay will give crews time to clear roads, a late start may be utilized; however, late starts are very rare.
After School Events
The same process will be utilized when considering whether or not to cancel after school events. After school events will not automatically be canceled when school is canceled, as we prefer to retain some flexibility in decision-making.
We understand the impact that school cancellations have on families and never take the decision lightly. Student safety is always our first priority, and we appreciate your cooperation and patience. Hopefully this information explains the decision making process and will help you with planning.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott Dearman, Superintendent
