Dear School Families,
For the past several days, we have been closely monitoring this weekend’s developing weather. I appreciate the diligence of our teachers, staff, coaches, and leadership as they prepare students and facilities for what is shaping up to be an unprecedented storm. I am confident that we are prepared and have planned ahead for potential changes to activities and events that were previously scheduled.
Yesterday’s two-hour delay was also an unusual, “perfect storm” type of situation. Early morning fog, combined with a slight drop in temperature, led to a quick and unexpected change in road conditions. As you can see from the illustration above, this developed about an hour later than we would typically like to announce a delayed school day. Multiple school districts across the state, within about a 15-minute window, received reports of black ice and had to coordinate transportation, food services, and notifications to staff, leadership, parents, and the media.
As we have shared previously, we understand the challenges and inconveniences that late notices can cause. Making a quick decision with limited information is always difficult and inconvenient, but our top priority is always student and staff safety.
Based on current predictions, there could be multiple NTI days next week. When conditions are obviously unfavorable, we can often make those decisions earlier in the day before. Our goal is always to notify families by the evening prior whenever possible; however, there are times when conditions cannot be confirmed until early morning. In those cases, our goal is to make a decision no later than 5:30 a.m. More detailed information information about school cancellations and NTI can be found in this previously shared document. If power outages occur, notify your child’s teacher whenever you can and they will work with you and your child regarding their assignments.
Events and activities, including travel and athletics, will be evaluated on a day-to-day and situational basis. Sponsors and coaches will communicate directly with families regarding any delays or cancellations.
As a school kid of the 80s and 90s, there was nothing I loved more than a traditional snow day. Please know, however, that because we enjoy a two-week fall break, a two-week spring break, and typically end the year by Memorial Day, our flexibility is limited. We are permitted up to ten NTI days by the state, which allows us to avoid modifying our calendar. Using additional traditional snow days could impact spring break or the end of the school year. Based on your input from the calendar survey, our goal is to avoid both whenever possible.
Finally, please stay safe. Several local organizations are providing up-to-the-minute information on social media (primarily Facebook) regarding local weather conditions and community resources. If you find yourself “stuck” at home with your kids, I hope you are able to make the most of that time together. Whether it’s playing in the snow or enjoying warmer activities inside, I hope it’s a chance to slow down and enjoy being together. We can’t wait to see your child back at school as soon as possible.
EMERGENCY SHELTER INFORMATION FROM LOGAN COUNTY EMERGENCY MGMT.
These locations in Logan County will be available as temporary housing/warming centers.
Contact Logan Central Dispatch at (270) 726-4911 if resources are needed.
RUSSELLVILLE:
Logan County Search and Rescue-101 Thurston Drive, Russellville
Russellville Rural F.D-101 Fischer Drive, Russellville
Agape Center-501 Johnson Street, Russellville
AUBURN: Auburn City F.D- 114 East Main Street, Auburn
LEWISBURG: Lewisburg Fire Department-402 East Green Street, Lewisburg
ADAIRVILLE: Adairville Fire Department-11070 Nashville Road, Adairville
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Logancountykyem