Smethport Area School District

School Delays/Closings

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DELAYED START OR SCHOOL CLOSURE

In case of school delay or closure:

• Notice will be broadcast over participating radio and TV stations ~ BOB FM-95.3 (Kane) & 106.3 (Smethport), WDDH-97.5 FM (St. Marys), WESB-1490 AM (Bradford), WFRM-600 AM (Coudersport), WHKS-94.9 FM (Port Allegany), WKBI-1400 AM (St. Marys), WPIG-95.7 FM (Olean, NY), WPSU-FM-90.1 FM (Penn State) ~ WGRZ-Channel 2, WPSU-TV-Channel 3, WIVB-Channel 4, & WKBW-Channel 7

• Amerilert announcements will then be made to alert staff, parents, and community members.

• Please do not call radio or TV stations or the school for information regarding school closure. Information will be announced as soon as it is available.

• Decisions on school delays or school closures will be made by the Superintendent by 6:00 a.m., unless emergency situations develop later.

• On days of school closure due to inclement weather, all school activities are automatically cancelled unless the previously scheduled activities are specifically approved by the Superintendent.

• On days when delayed start of school is implemented, all activities will continue as previously scheduled unless cancelled by the appropriate individual. No breakfast will be served on days with a delay.

• Parents are encouraged to make individual decisions regarding their student’s school attendance during inclement weather conditions, especially for preschool, primary, and special education students. These children are more apt to be affected by delays, longer travel time, or personal apprehensiveness. Parents who decide to keep their children home, should notify the school in writing the following day to qualify for an excused absence.

WEATHER & EMERGENCY CLOSURES - THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

When inclement weather is expected every attempt is made to decide about school closures and schedule changes as early as possible. The district’s goal is to make the most appropriate decision for our students and staff.

District staff members collect weather-related data from a range of reliable sources by 5:30 a.m. The sources include: weather reports, building & grounds staff, PennDot, township supervisors, and C.L. McKeirnan. The Superintendent then decides whether any school closures or schedule changes will occur and arranges for that decision to be broadcast as soon as possible.