How is the decision to close Saint Mary’s for inclement weather made, and how is the decision implemented? Perhaps one of the most difficult decisions to make is when there is a “close call” on the weather. Close school when the weather isn’t THAT bad causes family schedules to be disrupted and parents need to find child care on short notice. Don’t close, and you run the risk of someone getting hurt in bad weather. It is an important decision – so how do I go about making the decision each time the forecast is for bad weather?
When the forecast is for weather that may result in Saint Mary’s closing, I begin to watch the news, the weather channel and check the internet for forecasts. When the timing suggests that the bad weather will start overnight or early the next morning, the alarm is set for 4:00 AM. Although I much prefer the weather to start early in the evening so that I can close school and notify parents, teachers and students during the evening hours, it seems like just about every weather event starts at 7:00 AM! The weather in Richmond is often difficult to predict, and a few miles here or there makes a big difference in the severity of the weather. So, I make decisions based on the weather at Saint Mary’s and how it affects the driving and walking on campus. I try to make the decision as early as possible, but also need as much information about the weather conditions, and what is expected as possible. For example, if it is freezing rain at 4:00 AM, but the temperature is predicted to reach 37 degrees by 7:00 AM, I have to make the best guess about the conditions of the roads as carpool starts. Choices include opening on time, delaying opening, or closing for the day.
Once a decision is reached to either delay opening or close for the day, I first change the website. Unless power is out either at home or at the server location, the website has the most recent information. After the website is updated, the phone system message (740-1048) is changed. Assuming there is power at the school, the phone system has the information second only to the website. Immediately after the website and phone message is updated, Channel 12 News is notified of the decision. Then Channels 6 and 8 are notified, along with WCVE (public) radio. Finally, the teachers are notified via a phone tree.
In inclement weather, it is likely that one or more of the notification “systems” will fail due to a lack of power, phone lines down, etc. Although every effort is made to use as many of the systems as possible, it is not inconceivable that oone or more will not have the updated decision posted in a timely manner. It is also possible that the weather at Saint Mary’s will be safe for travel, while the weather in other areas will be dangerous. Each family must make the decision based on their own circumstances. Please make the decision to stay safe.
I do hope that all our weather events start in the evening and I can give families plenty of notice!
Saint Mary's Catholic School - Richmond 