Just when you’re knee-deep in your morning hustle of getting everyone ready for school—you know how it goes—the dreaded message arrives: “No school today because of inclement weather.” Now you’re left scrambling for daycare options because of school closings while also trying not to lose your mind balancing work and entertaining bored children at home.
But here’s the thing: school closings are a necessary evil. They keep our kids safe when the weather is just too dangerous for them to be out and about.
Who wants to send their kid to school in a blizzard or a hurricane? Not me, that’s for sure.
Table of Contents:
- Latest School Closings and Delays
- How School Closures Impact Students and Families
- Alternatives to School Closures
- The Decision-Making Process Behind School Closings
- Preparing for Potential School Closures
- FAQs in Relation to School Closings
- Conclusion
Latest School Closings and Delays
When severe weather strikes, the first thing on every parent’s mind is whether or not their child’s school will be open. School closings and delays can throw a wrench in even the best-laid plans, but staying informed can help you navigate these unexpected changes with ease.
How to Check for School Closings
The quickest way to find out if your school is closed or delayed is to check your school district’s website. Most districts have a dedicated page for school closings and delays, which is updated in real time. You can also follow your district’s social media accounts, as they often post updates there as well.
You can also get notifications directly on your phone or email by signing up for alerts from your school district. This way, you’ll know right away if there are any changes to the school’s schedule.
Ways to Stay Informed About School Closures
In addition to checking your district’s website and signing up for alerts, there are a few other ways to stay informed about school closures. Local news stations and websites often have a list of school closings and delays, which they update throughout the day.
You can also download a school closings app on your smartphone, which will send you push notifications when your school is closed or delayed. Some popular options include the ABC7 Chicago School Closings app and the NBC10 Boston School Closing Alerts app.
What Causes Schools to Close
There are a variety of reasons why schools may close or delay opening. The most common cause is severe weather, such as heavy snow, ice, or extreme cold. When road conditions are dangerous or there is a risk of power outages, schools may decide to close to keep students and staff safe.
Schools might close for other reasons too, like severe weather alerts or safety concerns.
- Natural disasters, such as hurricanes or wildfires
- Health emergencies, such as a flu outbreak or pandemic
- Safety threats, such as a gas leak or bomb threat
- Infrastructure issues, such as a water main break or power outage
District officials make the call to close or delay school after weighing several factors, always prioritizing student and staff safety.
How School Closures Impact Students and Families
School closings might feel like a mini-vacation for kids, but they can really shake things up for families. Working parents suddenly have to juggle childcare arrangements, and students risk falling behind in their classes.
Effects on Working Parents
When schools close, it throws a wrench into the daily lives of working parents. Suddenly, they have to juggle taking time off work or scrambling for childcare options, which often come with added costs and stress.
This is especially true for single parents or those who work in industries where remote work is not an option. In some cases, parents may even risk losing their jobs if they are unable to find reliable childcare.
Challenges for Low-Income Families
When schools shut down, it hits low-income families hard. These parents often depend on school meals and resources to keep their kids healthy. Without these supports, putting food on the table or getting tech for remote classes can become a real struggle.
For low-income families, finding childcare during school closures can be a real challenge. Without the same resources as higher-income households, these parents often struggle to keep working while ensuring their kids are cared for.
Impact on Student Learning
Perhaps the most significant impact of school closures is on student learning outcomes. When schools are closed for extended periods, students can fall behind in their studies and struggle to catch up when classes resume.
For students who lack access to technology or a quiet place to study at home, the situation is even more challenging. Research shows that long school closures can cause major learning setbacks, especially for those from less privileged backgrounds.
Many schools have turned to remote learning programs and offered various resources for students and families as a way to reduce these effects. However, the success of such efforts often hinges on factors like tech availability, teacher readiness, and student participation.
Alternatives to School Closures
Although sometimes schools need to close, there are other ways to keep kids learning and families from being too disrupted. Virtual classes or a mix of online and in-person lessons can help students stay focused and continue their education.
Virtual Learning Options
One of the most common alternatives to school closures is virtual learning. With virtual learning, students can continue their studies from home using online platforms and resources provided by their school district.
Virtual learning can be anything from live video classes with teachers to self-paced lessons that students tackle whenever they have time. Some school districts even team up with online education companies to give students access to a wider variety of courses and materials.
Staggered Schedules
Schools might consider staggered schedules, where students come in smaller groups on different days or times. This strategy can lower the number of kids in the building at once, making it easier to follow social distancing and other safety measures.
Staggered schedules can really help families needing more daily flexibility. Parents juggling part-time jobs or other commitments might find it simpler to handle staggered hours compared to a regular full-day routine.
Hybrid Models
Hybrid models blend virtual learning with in-person classes, offering students a more adaptable way to learn. They might spend part of their week at school and finish the rest online.
By using this approach, schools can limit the number of students in the building at one time. This still allows for face-to-face interactions and hands-on activities. Hybrid models work well for those who find remote learning challenging because they offer a mix of structure and flexibility.
Deciding whether or not to close a school involves many considerations such as health guidelines in the area, resource availability, and student needs. Schools should look into various solutions while remaining flexible so they can continue providing quality education during unforeseen challenges.
The Decision-Making Process Behind School Closings
Deciding to close schools isn’t simple. District officials and local authorities weigh many factors before making a call. They look at weather forecasts, and road conditions, and even consult with emergency services.
Factors Considered by School Districts
Deciding if schools should be closed involves many considerations for school districts. They focus on important things like student safety, weather forecasts, and financial constraints.
- Weather forecasts and road conditions
- The safety and well-being of students and staff
- The availability of remote learning resources and technology
- The impact on families and the community
- Guidance from local health officials and other authorities
In many situations, district officials talk with different groups—teachers, parents, and community heads—to collect feedback before deciding on anything important.
Role of Local and State Authorities
The decision to close schools involves more than just the school districts; local and state officials weigh in too. County offices or state police often provide information about road safety, while the state’s education department may suggest or mandate closures based on broader concerns.
In some cases, local or state officials may even have the authority to close schools directly. For example, during a public health emergency, the governor or local health department may order schools to close to prevent the spread of disease.
Communication with Parents and Staff
After deciding to shut down schools, districts must keep parents and staff in the loop. They can do this by firing off email or text alerts, putting updates on their site and social media platforms, plus sharing resources for online classes.
Schools should anticipate addressing worries from both parents and teachers on topics like childcare options, tech availability, or extra help with studies. Open lines of communication will keep everyone in the loop so they’re ready for any challenges ahead.
Preparing for Potential School Closures
School closings can catch families off guard, but there are ways to stay prepared. By having a plan and keeping up with the latest information, you can make sure your child keeps learning and stays happy even when things don’t go as expected.
Creating a Family Plan
Getting ready for possible school closures means making a family plan. This might include setting up a home learning space, figuring out work schedules, and organizing childcare options.
- Identifying alternative childcare options, such as family members or trusted neighbors
- Setting up a designated learning space in your home, with the necessary supplies and technology
- Establishing a daily routine and schedule for remote learning and other activities
- Communicating with your child’s teacher or school to stay informed and address any concerns
Having a plan ready can make things easier and less stressful when school closings happen.
Ensuring Access to Learning Materials
Preparing for potential school closures involves having all the necessary learning tools at hand. Make sure your child has access to books, online platforms, and any other study aids they might need to continue their education smoothly from home.
- Checking with your child’s school or district to see what resources will be provided during remote learning
- Investing in a reliable internet connection and necessary technology, such as a laptop or tablet
- Stocking up on school supplies, such as paper, pencils, and other materials
- Exploring online learning resources and educational websites to supplement your child’s learning
Following these steps will help your child stay equipped with the necessary tools and resources for learning, even when school is closed.
Staying Connected with Teachers and Classmates
Staying connected with your child’s teachers and classmates when schools are closed matters a lot. This could mean participating in virtual parent-teacher conferences or encouraging group study sessions over video calls.
- Attending virtual class meetings or check-ins with teachers
- Participating in online discussion forums or group projects with classmates
- Encouraging your child to reach out to friends and classmates for social support and connection
- Seeking out virtual extracurricular activities or clubs to help your child stay engaged and motivated
Keeping in touch and staying involved can really help your child feel supported and driven during these tough times.
Stay informed about school closings through district websites, social media, local news, and alert services. Prepare for potential closures by creating a family plan with alternative childcare options and setting up learning spaces at home.
Conclusion
So, the next time you get that school closing notification, take a deep breath. Remember that it’s all for the safety and well-being of our kids.
And hey, maybe it’s a chance to spend some extra quality time with your little ones. Have a movie marathon, bake some cookies, or just snuggle up and enjoy the unexpected day off.
School closings may be inconvenient, but they’re a part of life. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll look back on these unexpected days off with fondness.
Or maybe not. But either way, we’ll get through it together.
Afterschool.org provides resources and free in-person workshops at Luv2Play in Chino for those who struggle to find ways to keep busy during school closings. They are on a mission to transform what afterschool programming looks like for students. Join the mission by starting a high-quality afterschool program near you.