We are currently evaluating and making plans on how we will handle snow days during the 2020-2021 school year. With our new educational models in place due to COVID-19, we may have the opportunity to implement district-wide distance learning in place of a snow day.
We are looking at potential scenarios and we will have a plan in place by December 1. There are multiple factors that come into play, including power and internet access. Stay tuned for more info next week!
What goes into calling a snow day?
An extensive evaluation process goes on behind the scenes at the district any time a winter storm is forecasted. When a storm hits, our Transportation Director and our Superintendent Chief Learning Officer are up at the wee hours of the morning evaluating whether or not it is safe to have school that day.
Making the decision on whether or not to call a snow day is not as straightforward or as easy as you may think, and the decision is not taken lightly. It’s all about safety!
What we evaluate:
- The forecast for predicted snow amounts and elevation, as well as wind, ice, temperatures, and rain.
-The status of Interstate 80, SR28, SR89, and SR267 for road conditions, closures, and chain requirements. In addition to the district's main roadways and bus routes, we check on secondary roadways as well. We also check on the condition of roadways for students to stand while waiting at bus stops.
The challenges:
-We have a very large school district – 720 square miles – and the weather can vary from one location to another. Our services, such as food services and transportation, are interconnected. (Note, based on their location on Donner Summit, we do look at Donner Trail Elementary separately. There are times when we call a snow day there but not anywhere else in the district.)
-We have to make the decision by 4:00 a.m. in the morning.
-It can leave some parents in a bind, especially if they have to be at work that day.
All of our snow day information is posted on our website at www.ttusd.org. Click here for a detailed list of our snow day policies and procedures. The calls go out to parents at 6:00 a.m. and if you would like to be part of the earlier call group, please contact your school office.
