When evaluating the possibility of delaying the start of school or closing school altogether, our most important consideration is always safety –our priority is that the buses carrying our students, as well as parents, students, and staff driving and walking, can get to our schools safely.
Whitehall City Schools will remain open if at all possible on all scheduled school days, even when weather conditions may be challenging. Here are a few guidelines to follow in the event of a closure.
Family Planning Emergency Plan:
Parents are encouraged to create an emergency plan for their students to determine where to go or what to do if a parent is not home and schools are closed, delayed, or dismissed early. In the event of an early release, elementary and middle school students will be held at school until parents or guardians are notified and arrangements are made to keep the students safe.
Remember, no announcement means normal school operation. School closure information will be posted on the Whitehall City Schools website, through social media and local news media outlets.
During adverse weather conditions and school closures, we encourage parents to have a plan for childcare and supervision. The district will make every effort to communicate school closure decisions as soon as possible.
Why do we try to keep Whitehall City Schools open during inclement weather?
Like any public service, people count on our schools to remain open. Our role in the community goes beyond providing educational services:
A functioning school building provides warmth and safety in addition to classroom instruction.
Many Whitehall City School District students rely on our schools for breakfast and lunch. These meals are not simply convenient; they provide nutritional needs for children who may otherwise go without.
Many families also depend on schools to also provide supervision and structure. Many families don’t have the luxury of adjusting work schedules on short notice therefore students in the district would remain home alone without supervision if their school had an unscheduled closure.
What happens if Whitehall City Schools close?
Please ensure that the district has your correct phone number in our Infinite Campus Parent Portal/Student Information System.
If you do not have access to the parent portal, please email
[email protected]. Please ensure all Infinite Campus contact information is up-to-date.
District administrators monitor the weather conditions throughout the night and in the early morning hours. They will be in contact with the National Weather Service and WCS Transportation Services prior to making any decisions. All school administrators will be advised as early as possible regarding delays or cancellations; the media will be contacted and the district's automatic calling system will be activated to place calls to student homes.
If severe weather conditions or other events force a school closure, delayed start, or early release, the following procedures will be implemented.
Two-hour Delayed Start:
- Schools will open two hours later than the normal start time.
- Buses will pick up two hours later than their normal pick-up times.
- Morning preschool will be canceled.
- Mid-day pickups and field trips will be canceled.
- Breakfast programs will be offered.
Full-day closure procedure:
- If conditions necessitate needing more than a two-hour delay, the superintendent may decide to close school for the entire day.
- Local radio and television stations will be notified as early as possible.
- Whitehall City Schools' website and social media accounts will relay information.
- Automated phone calls will go to each home having provided the correct information.
- Early Release due to weather or other emergency situations:
- If conditions necessitate needing to close schools early, the superintendent may decide to issue an early release.
- Automated phone calls will go to each home having provided the correct information.
- Whitehall City Schools' website and social media accounts will relay information.
- Local radio and television stations will be notified as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors are considered when decisions are made to close school?
- Building conditions, such as whether the buildings have electricity, heat, and water
- The ability to clear ice and snow from school parking lots and sidewalks
- Information on road conditions from our transportation staff and local officials
- Whether the conditions are expected to worsen or improve throughout the day
- Ambient temperature and wind chill factors
- Weather forecasts
- By law, the Superintendent is responsible for the final decisions on school closings or changes in schedule.
Where can Parents and Staff receive information about closings?
- Check the local news channels (Channel 4, 6, or 10), Infinite Campus, and school communication for school closings and delays. Updates are promptly posted to the school district's social media and School Messenger Notification System - Infinite Campus (generally between 5:30 am and 6:00 am).
- Sign up for Infinite Campus to receive auto-dialers on weather, closings, and delays. If you do not have access to the parent portal, please email [email protected]. Please ensure all Infinite Campus contact information is up-to-date.
How can students prepare for weather conditions?
- Adjust your schedule and check the road conditions before transporting to school to arrive on time and safely.
- Take extra time to defrost, warm your vehicle, and leave early to drive with caution. Students who walk to school or wait at school bus stops should be dressed appropriately for cold temperatures and snowy conditions.
- Dress for the season! Stay warm with hats, coats, boots, and gloves to stay dry and covered.