In preparation for weather that would cause a delay or cancellation, please find frequently asked questions, as well as procedures followed in the event of a school delay/closing:
How the Decision to Delay, Close or Early Dismiss is Made
The safety and well-being of our students and staff is a top priority during inclement weather. The decision to delay the start of school or to close buildings is made based on weather conditions, considering the current situation, such as temperature and weather forecasts. The Directors of Building Operations, Facilities, and Transportation, and the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources & Operations begin the process – typically early in the morning (about 3 a.m.) – by driving roads, checking with local law enforcement and city, county and state highway officials. Transportation Directors from surrounding school systems are contacted to compare information. When all information is collected, a recommendation is made to the Superintendent.
Be assured that we make such decisions weighing many factors. Most importantly, the safety of our students and staff is our primary focus. We will strive to make decisions as early as possible so that families and childcare providers can be notified promptly. It is our preference to have in-person instruction therefore decisions may be made the morning of rather than the evening before in order to avoid cancelling in-person instruction unnecessarily.
If the decision is based on cold rather than inclement weather, the wind-chill factor is taken into consideration. For example, zero without wind may not be as hazardous as a temperature of 10 with a wind chill of -20.
On some occasions, a decision will be made to delay the start of school rather than to cancel for the day.
Additionally, there may be times we move to eLearning due to unsafe travel conditions or other weather-created realities.
MCCSC’s Approach to eLearning
MCCSC makes every effort to ensure the continuation of learning when schools are closed. If schools are closed, MCCSC will send a message to communicate that one of the following eLearning methods of instruction will be used:
• Real-time (synchronous) eLearning is instruction that occurs virtually and is live. Teachers host online class meetings using Microsoft Teams and students join the virtual class meeting. Teachers will post instructions to Canvas for attending class online.
• Independent, self-paced (asynchronous) eLearning is not live instruction. Instead, teachers deliver instruction through assignments and activities that students complete independently. When asynchronous instruction is used, teachers will post assignments to Canvas and will set a reasonable deadline for completion.
In some situations, MCCSC may decide to not require eLearning, and “no eLearning” will be included in our school closure message. This option will be used sparingly due to the necessity of scheduling makeup days, which will extend the school year.
How long is a real-time (synchronous) eLearning school day?
The minimum length of a real-time (synchronous) eLearning day is three hours. However, there may be breaks during the day and/or there may be portions of independent work as well.
When does real-time (synchronous) eLearning begin?
Real-time eLearning will begin at the normal start time of your student’s school.
What if I have additional questions or need additional information about eLearning?
Please contact your student’s teacher and/or principal.
Do schools have to “make-up” eLearning days?
Real-time (synchronous) eLearning does not need to be made up. However, the state limits schools to three days of independent, self-paced (nonsynchronous) eLearning.
When is the decision made and how can I find out if school is delayed or closed?
The decision is made as early as possible, but normally by 5:30 a.m. Once a decision is made, radio and television stations are notified, and the information is posted on the MCCSC website and social media sources. Additionally, staff and families are notified via e-mail, a recorded phone call, text message, and the MCCSC App. Families should ensure contact information is up-to-date in Skyward.
Why not just decide to close school (or delay) based on the weather forecast the night before?
It is very difficult to make a decision to delay or close school based on a predicted forecast, especially when the forecast relates to snow. The decision will typically be made in the morning, based upon all factors addressed above.
When is a decision made to dismiss students early?
Early dismissals are never an easy decision. Every attempt will be made NOT to dismiss school early during the day because we recognize that often means no one is at home to meet students. However, rapid weather changes and safety can dictate the need for early dismissal. Please discuss this possibility with your family and have a plan in place should this occur.
In the event of an early dismissal at the elementary level, students being picked up will be supervised by building staff until families can pick up their child.
MCCSC will use the following methods to communicate with families in the event of an early dismissal:
- MCCSC School Messenger notification by e-mail, phone, MCCSC App and text alert
- MCCSC Website (www.mccsc.edu) and MCCSC Social Media sites (Facebook, Instagram)
- Local and area media will be notified
I think schools should have been closed – it is not safe to be on the road and I don’t want my child to go out in this weather.
Each parent has a right to determine if his/her child will go to school. If the parent feels it is unsafe, he/she has every right to keep the child at home. The child will be counted absent with parent consent, but he/she may make up any work missed.
Do we have to “make-up” days missed?
If school is delayed, the Corporation does not have to “make-up” that lost time. If school is canceled, with no eLearning, typically, the day(s) canceled must be made up. eLearning days do not have to be made up.
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