The Waynesboro Area School District will be sending a letter to parents with information and procedures about inclement weather or other emergencies which may affect school schedules. This letter contains updated information for the 2019/2020 school year.

PLEASE KEEP THIS MEMO FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

TO: Parents/Students
FROM: Dr. Tod F. Kline, Superintendent
DATE: October 2019

SUBJECT: School Schedules During Inclement Weather, Esp. Snow and Ice Conditions, 2019/2020

During the school year, it may be necessary to change school schedules because of road conditions due to ice and snow, other inclement weather, or emergencies. If there is no announcement of school closing, or early dismissal, families can automatically assume that schools are open. The procedures listed in this memo will be followed by the Waynesboro Area School District.

SCHOOL OPENING: MORNING DECISION

In case of inclement weather, one of the following decisions will be made:

1. TWO-HOUR DELAY    

 Schools will open two hours later than normal. Buses will delay starting times by two hours and will be traveling regular routes two hours later than normal. Afternoon dismissals will be at regular times. Radio/TV stations will initially be notified by 6:00 AM, and will then broadcast the schedule changes as announced by the school district..

Please note, in some cases where a two-hour delay is announced, a final decision to cancel school for the entire day may be necessary; this decision will be made no later than 7:30 AM.

Information regarding school closing will be posted on the district website, www.wasdpa.org by 6:00 AM. In addition, radio frequencies are given to help you find an appropriate station. Please note that some of the stations listed do not broadcast as early as 6:00 AM.                                            

2. SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED 

If weather conditions are hazardous and buses are not able to operate safely, an announcement will be made that schools are closed.

Parents are asked to understand that when there is a delay or when schools are open and some snow has fallen, some delay of buses may occur, particularly in hilly, rural areas. It is also possible that some sections of a road will not be traveled on a given day. Students residing at those locations will be excused from school.

SCHOOL CLOSING: SCHOOL DAY DECISION

Early Dismissal.Road conditions due to accumulations of ice, snow, water, or other emergencies may require dismissing schools earlier than usual. The school district will attempt to make the decision for an early dismissal before 11:30 AM. Parents will be notified by BoroBlast, and that decision will also be broadcast on radio station WAYZ in all cases, and on such other stations listed above which we are able to notify. In addition, information regarding early dismissal will be posted on the district website, www.wasdpa.org. The announcements will include the dismissal times for secondary students (grades 6-12) and elementary schools (grades K-5 inclusive). All after-school activities and evening events/performances will be cancelled.

Please note, parents need to make emergency arrangements to provide for the care of children when schools do not open, when school opening is delayed, or when school is dismissed early. In isolated instances, buses may not be able to move on certain roads, even on days when school is open, thus requiring care for children who live at these locations.

Thank you for your cooperation and assistance during the inclement weather days of the school year.