This web page will be updated in the event of inclement weather or other circumstances that result in the need to alter the regular school schedule. When school schedules are changed, the school system will use the rapid notification phone system to alert families of those changes. Also, information can be obtained by calling 252-728-4583 and checking area television stations.
IMPORTANT - Please Read:
Please recheck this page often - sometimes an existing decision is changed and that change will be posted here as soon as it is made. Make sure you click on your "Refresh" or "Reload" button EVERY TIME YOU VISIT THIS PAGE. If you don't you will not be viewing the most current message.
How Are Decisions To Alter The Regular School Day Made?
(A message from Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson)
The decision to alter the regular school schedule is a difficult one. However, weather conditions, power outages or other emergencies at times make it necessary to alter the schedule. I believe our students are better served - both academically and socially - by being in school. However, as always, my top priority and the Board of Education's top priority is the safety of our students and staff. The decision is made based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors such as: Information on road conditions received from transportation staff and law enforcement officers; Current weather, amount of ice/snow accumulation and predictions received from NOAA, Newport; Building conditions such as availability of electricity and heat; School parking lot conditions; and Temperature and wind chill.
As superintendent, I work with a team of school administrators to make the final decision, and we use the information provided from many sources to make that decision. We also often consult with the superintendents in surrounding counties. The decision to cancel or delay the opening of school is usually made by 5 a.m. Staff members are up most of the night collecting the data because it is important that the decision be made as accurately as possible and as early as possible because several of our school bus drivers began routes as early as 5:10 a.m. and some parents leave for work early.
Once the decision is made, it is announced to parents and staff members through the automated phone calling system. Families and employees are reminded to make sure your school office has your latest contact numbers. You can also check this website; check the school system's facebook page and twitter account; watch the local television stations and check their websites for information about school closings or delays.
Please keep in mind, if schools are open and conditions worsen during the day, we may need to have an early dismissal and we will strive to give adequate notice to parents.
Although our team does its absolute best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. If you question whether it is safe for your child to attend school, use your best judgment on whether he or she should attend. Also, discourage teenagers from driving in bad or threatening conditions.
I hope this explanation helps everyone understand the process that we use to make the best possible decision for our students and our staff.
Thank you.
Dr. Rob Jackson, Superintendent