Dear Cleveland Hill School Community:
The winter season has quickly arrived, and with that, the possibility for snow days is upon us. We understand that the decision to open or close schools has a big effect on families. We also believe that our students are better served academically and socially by being in school. But, as always, our top priority is their safety.
How do we make our decision?
With safety the top priority, evaluation of the following information is ongoing and used to make our decision. This includes:
*Information on road conditions from transportation staff, police, and highway road supervisors
*An assessment of the amount of snow and ice accumulated
*Weather forecasts, including temperature and wind chill data
*Verification of building status, continued utility services, our staff’s ability to clear our own roads, driveways and sidewalks
*What other school districts are deciding
Who makes the decision and when?
As Superintendent of Schools, I am responsible for the final determination. My decision is based on the above factors and recommendations from our Director of Facilities. We make every attempt to communicate our decision to close schools to you by 6:15 a.m.
How is the public notified?
Our first notification will go out via our Thrillshare system to all phone numbers registered with us. If we do not have your correct phone number, you will not be notified. Please contact your child’s Main Office to update your contact information if necessary. Up-to-date information is also provided to the various radio stations: WBEN, WJYE, WBLK, WYRK, WECK, WBUF, WNSA-FM, and television stations: WKBW, WGRZ, WIVB and Spectrum. Updated information can also be found on our district website (www.clevehill.org).
Will we close schools if conditions worsen?
Please keep in mind that even if weather conditions worsen, we would rarely reverse our decision and send students back home. Once we make the decision to open schools, many parents leave for work. If we sent students home, many would return to unsupervised bus stops and empty homes. After we arrive at school, we may have an early dismissal, but would make every effort to provide adequate notice to all parents. That process alone requires at least one and a half hours of lead-time to accomplish.
All of our buildings are supported by an emergency generator and backup systems to maintain comfortable conditions, as well as extra food, water, etc. Even in the event of power failures or service outages elsewhere in the community, our schools are the safest place for children while we contact parents and make arrangements for a safe return home.
Although my staff and I do our best in this process, we know that no perfect decision exists. If you do not feel it is safe for your child to attend school, use your best judgment on whether he or she should attend that day. Also, please discourage teenagers from driving in bad conditions.
We hope that this explanation helps everyone understand the process that our district staff uses to make the best possible decision for all in our district.
Sincerely,
Mr. Jon T. MacSwan
Superintendent of Schools