Dear South Colonie Families,
We wanted to share some information about how we will communicate in the event of a school closing, delay, or a shift to a virtual day due to inclement weather.
While our technological resources allow us greater flexibility when making the decision about whether to cancel school or shift to virtual learning, it is our plan to utilize the traditional snow day for at least the first major storm and evaluate the possibility of using a traditional snow day or shifting to a remote virtual day for additional weather-related events.
How we will communicate this information to families
Any changes to a school day and/or where students will receive instruction will be communicated through the district’s mass notification system ParentSquare. If your child is registered in the school district, you will receive a notification to the contact information that we have on file. The message will also be posted to the school district’s website and shared on the websites of local media outlets. As a reminder, information on school closings and delays will not be shared through the district’s social media channels.
While we will do our best to notify you of these changes with as much advance notice as possible please make every effort to keep the main office informed of any updates to your contact information so that you continue to receive these important updates.
When is the decision made?
Morning closings may be announced as early as 5:30 a.m., but usually by 6:00 a.m. Whenever schools are closed for emergency reasons all after-school activities will be canceled that night.
It is best to rely on more than one source of information when it comes to weather-related announcements. This is particularly true in situations that involve power outages, which can affect the district’s ability to send electronic notifications.
How are early dismissals announced?
When the weather becomes inclement during the day and driving conditions become poor, please stay tuned to news about early dismissals through the methods discussed above.
What about delayed openings?
Delayed openings mean all schedules will be delayed by two hours. Bus pickups will be approximately two hours later than the scheduled time. However, please continue to monitor all opening delays, as they could turn into school closings depending on the weather.
All scheduled activities at South Colonie School District are canceled when school is closed or closes early.
Transportation
Due to safety reasons, no changes to your children’s designated drop-off or pick-up location can be accommodated. In the event of a school closing or delay, please make sure prior arrangements are made so that someone is available to stay with your child.
Technology
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Food Services
Please note: In the event of a delay limited breakfast will be offered at the high school only.
If the district closes completely due to inclement weather, meals will not be available for that day.
Please remember, neighboring districts have differing needs and challenges and may decide to make a different decision regarding school closings, delays, and remote learning days. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child(ren)’s building principal.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Perry
Superintendent of Schools