School Closure Procedures

• Normal Operation: Schools will operate as scheduled if there is no announcement.
• Communication Channels: Information about school closures or delays will be shared via the Whitehall City Schools website, social media, local news outlets, and the district’s automated calling system through Infinite Campus.

Along with fulfilling our primary promise and responsibility to our community of educating our young people, our schools serve an essential role in the community that goes beyond education.  We understand that:

• Supervision and Structure: Schools offer a safe, supervised space. Unexpected closures can leave students unsupervised, as many families cannot adjust work schedules on short notice.
• Warmth and Safety: Schools provide a secure environment during challenging conditions.
• Meals: Many students rely on school-provided breakfast and lunch for nutritional needs.

• Parents and staff will be notified via the phone dialer system.  
• Parents and staff must ensure their contact information in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal/Student Information System is accurate.
• If access to the portal is an issue, email techhelp@wcsrams.org to update contact details.

WCS families are encouraged to develop a plan for their children in case of school closures, delays, or early dismissals:

• Elementary and Middle School Students: These students will remain at school until parents or guardians are notified and arrangements are made for their safety.  
• High School Students:  High school students may be released to walk home at the Superintendent’s discretion.  Families will be notified and should make communication arrangements with their children to ensure they make it home safely.
• Childcare and Supervision: Families should prepare alternative childcare and supervision plans during adverse weather.

District administrators monitor weather conditions throughout the night and early morning:

• Consultations are made with the National Weather Service, WCS Transportation Services, and area superintendents.
• All administrators are informed promptly, and updates are communicated to the media, families, and staff as soon as possible.
• Planning and communication ensure the safety and well-being of students while minimizing disruptions during challenging conditions. 

1. Decision Process
   • When conditions necessitate, the Superintendent may decide to close/cancel school for the entire day.
2. Notification Methods  The Superintendent will initiate these measures to ensure families and staff are informed quickly and efficiently:
   • Local radio and television stations will be notified promptly.
   • Updates will be posted on the Whitehall City Schools website and social media accounts.
   • Automated phone calls will be sent to households.

These steps are designed to ensure timely communication and safety during unforeseen events.

1. Decision Process
   • If conditions warrant closing schools early, the Superintendent may authorize an early release.
   • This decision is reserved for extreme circumstances only.
2. Notification Methods
   • Automated phone calls will be sent to households with accurate contact information.
   • Updates will be posted on the Whitehall City Schools website and social media accounts.
   • Local radio and television stations will be informed as early as possible.

• Schools will open two hours later than their usual start time.
• Buses will operate two hours later than their regular pick-up schedules.
• Morning preschool programs will be canceled.
• Mid-day pickups and field trips will be canceled.
• Breakfast programs will still be offered.

• Building Conditions
  • Does the state of the building hinder learning or safe operations?
  • Considerations include access to restrooms, water, acceptable temperatures, and electricity.
• Ice and Snow Removal
  • Can school parking lots and sidewalks be cleared for safe use?
• Road and Sidewalk Conditions
  • Feedback from transportation staff and local officials determines whether roads and sidewalks are safe for travel to and from school.
• Weather Trends
  • Will conditions worsen or improve throughout the day?
• Temperature and Wind Chill
  • Current and forecasted ambient temperature and wind chill are assessed.
• Weather Forecasts
  • Reliable forecasts help guide decisions.

By law, the Superintendent is responsible for making the final decisions regarding school closings or schedule adjustments.

• Check local news channels (4, 6, or 10), Infinite Campus, and school communications for updates on school closings and delays. Notifications are promptly posted on the district's social media platforms and the School Messenger Notification System - Infinite Campus, typically between 5:30 am and 6:30 am.

• Sign up for Infinite Campus for automated alerts about weather-related closings and delays. If you don't have access to the parent portal, email techhelp@wcsrams.org for assistance. Ensure your contact information in Infinite Campus is up-to-date.

• Plan ahead, adjust your schedule, and check road conditions to ensure a safe and timely arrival at school.
• Take extra time to defrost and warm your vehicle, leave early, and drive cautiously.
• Stay warm by wearing hats, coats, boots, gloves, and extra socks. Dress in layers to stay dry and protected from the cold.