GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL DELAYS AND CLOSINGS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
Beliefs:
The Jay School Corporation recognizes that its first and foremost a parental decision to determine if a child should attend school on inclement weather days.
JSC respects a parent’s determination regarding their child’s attendance at school during inclement weather. If school is open, or delayed, because of inclement weather, the school will respect the parent’s decision to keep their child at home. Parents are expected to contact the school and inform school officials of their determination. The student will be excused and will be given an opportunity to complete their academic work.
Weather conditions are both variable and extreme in Indiana.
Concrete rules do not exist for making decisions regarding variable and extreme weather, but these guidelines will serve as a reference for the Jay School Corporation (JSC).
JSC believes the public expects schools to be open and to provide education, supervision, and other services (including meals) to its students.
JSC believes all parents are committed to keeping children safe and these parents will dress their children appropriately for the weather when sending the children to school.
JSC provides these guidelines to assist families in making daily decisions about sending children to school during inclement weather. As a school district, JSC monitors road and weather conditions multiple times throughout the day and prior to school-related events. Despite these efforts, it is impossible to predict weather conditions with complete accuracy. Forecasts guide decision-making, but actual conditions are often only fully known after the fact.
JSC believes that school bus transportation is the safest method of travel to and from school. District bus drivers are experienced, highly trained, and exercise caution in all conditions, taking the time necessary to transport students safely. All buses are equipped with radios, allowing for continuous communication with district transportation staff in the event of an emergency.
If families choose to allow a student to drive to school, JSC encourages parents and guardians to ensure that the student is fully aware of current road conditions. In most cases, major roads and highways receive priority treatment and may offer safer travel. Families are encouraged to discuss and plan routes in advance, including longer or alternate routes if necessary. JSC strongly prefers that students take additional time and travel safely rather than attempt the quickest route under hazardous conditions.
Ultimately, families make the final daily decision regarding whether their child attends school. The guidelines below are offered to support those decisions. JSC will make every reasonable effort to operate school only when weather and road conditions are appropriate and safe.
Communication
On a normal school day, it will be announced no later than 6:00 AM if we are delaying and/or closing.
Following a delay, it will be announced no later than 8:00 AM if we are closing.
Our schools are equipped with a phone messaging device. In the event of an early dismissal, we will send out a call to the phone number you have designated. Please also update the school with an accurate email account. If you want accurate information please contact the school or listen to our officially designated points of contact.
Currently our weather related announcements are broadcast on the following radio and television stations: