As we head into the last half of November and winter approaches, we want to remind parents how they can stay informed when inclement weather affects school. The decision to delay the opening of school, dismiss early, or close school for the day due to weather conditions is never an easy one. Our priority is always the safety of the children. School closings, or early school dismissal, will be announced on the district website and sign as soon as the decision is made. In addition, we will send emails and autodial phone calls and text messages to BGR-1 families. Please be sure the school secretary has the most up to date contact information for your family.
Our community will also find accurate information about school closings on the following television stations: WGEM, KTVI (Ch.2), KMOV (Ch. 4), and KSDK (Ch. 5), both TV and online, on the Townsquare Media Quincy/Hannibal KHMO‐AM/KICK‐FM/KRRY‐FM/WLIQ‐AM and KJFM (Eagle 102) radio stations and websites, The Bowling Green Times and Peoples' Tribune online broadcasts, and on our District Facebook page, and District mobile apps.
When we experience inclement weather conditions, safety is the most important consideration. Parents can help their students and the district prepare. Make plans ahead of time and communicate them with your children so they understand what to expect during an early school dismissal due to inclement weather. Understand that school closings are for the safety of children throughout the district. While the condition of your neighborhood streets may be fine, other areas of the district may be experiencing harsher weather. Please review the information you have listed as emergency contacts and make sure that the numbers are updated in our Student Information System by contacting your building office.
Lastly, I am thankful we have not had any snow days within the first semester of this year so far. You may know that schools can attend remotely this year on days where schools are closed due to inclement weather and can count these for attendance and not be made up. We still plan to use the first five of our built-in snow days as regular nonattendance days if we have to close for inclement weather before using this remote option, otherwise known as AMI (alternative methods of instruction days). If we have more than five snow days, our plan is to use our Alternative Methods of Instruction plan approved by our state education department, as we did in recent years. Look for more information about this after the first of the year.
Winter weather can be dangerous in several ways. The dropping temperatures and wind chills can create hazards. Understanding the basic risks and how to minimize them can help parents protect their children from extreme winter weather.
General Tips:
o Dress in multiple layers to play outside, including extra layers for legs, feet, and hands.
o Always wear hats and gloves when playing outdoors in cold weather; the biggest proportions of body heat are lost through the head and hands.
o Limit the amount of time spent playing outdoors to safe intervals, and bring children inside periodically to warm up.
o Remove all wet clothing immediately and change to dry clothes if going back outdoors.
o Wear sunscreen on all exposed skin to guard against burns from bright sunlight and snow glare.
o Do not permit children to play outdoors in poor weather such as snowstorms, extreme cold or high winds.
o Wear brightly colored outer clothing that is easily seen from a distance.
o Do not dress children in winter wear with drawstrings - they can cut off circulation and make frostbite a greater threat, and loose drawstrings may present a strangulation hazard.
o Teach children to avoid playing near snowplow areas.
o Do not permit children to dig snow tunnels or forts that may collapse and bury them.
o Avoid snowball fights that can lead to injuries from dangerous projectiles.
o Keep roofs, gutters and awnings free from snow and icicle buildup that could collapse and injure a child. Similarly, do not permit children to pull icicles from the roof.
o Teach children never to touch or lick exposed metal (fences, flagpoles, etc.) in winter.
o Do not allow children to eat snow. It may contain pollutants, dirt, fecal matter or other contaminants, and the cold snow can chill a young child's body to dangerous levels.
o Regularly de-ice or sand sidewalks, driveways, patios and other areas where children may play.
o Always wear hats and gloves when playing outdoors in cold weather; the biggest proportions of body heat are lost through the head and hands.
o Limit the amount of time spent playing outdoors to safe intervals, and bring children inside periodically to warm up.
o Remove all wet clothing immediately and change to dry clothes if going back outdoors.
o Wear sunscreen on all exposed skin to guard against burns from bright sunlight and snow glare.
o Do does not permit children to play outdoors in poor weather such as snowstorms, extreme cold or high winds.
o Wear brightly colored outer clothing that is easily seen from a distance.
Do not dress children in winter wear with drawstrings - they can cut off circulation and make frostbite a greater threat, and loose drawstrings may present a strangulation hazard.
What is the best clothing for cold weather?
Adults and children should wear:
o a hat
o a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
o sleeves that are snug at the wrist
o mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
o water-resistant coat and shoes
o several layers of loose-fitting clothing
For School Days:
• If you have bus riders – consider sitting with them in the car at the bus stop
• Consider carpooling and bringing them directly to school
• We will keep the buildings warm and safe
If you are concerned that your child does not have adequate winter wear – please contact the counselor at your child’s building. We have made funds available to purchase coats, gloves, and hats if needed.
Often times, school is the safest and warmest place for kids on extremely cold days.
Finally, as always, you have the final say in whether or not to send your child to school. If you choose not to send your child, I recommend contacting the building principal and discussing your concern and decision.