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BACK to Grapevine HOME | Shen HOME SNOW/EMERGENCY DAYS
Posted on January 23, 2009 Does Shen ever close schools due to the temperature outside? (10 degrees, 0 degrees, below zero, etc.?)
It is extremely rare that schools close due to temperature. When it has occurred it has been more a result of the buses not starting. During cold periods we are very mindful about the timeliness of school buses, and the avoidance of outside activities.
Posted on January 23, 2009 Does it save the district money when we have a snow day such as gas, electric etc...
There is some savings in transportation costs for bus fuel, etc. However, the contractual obligations still exist in terms of compensation. Unfortunately, most of what is saved is reduced by the additional cost of contending with the snow (snow removal, sanding/salting, etc.)
Posted on January 23, 2009 I see the schools are always snow plowed hours right after it snows and are always in great condition. I was recently told that's because the town helps plow them. If this is true then why are the schools always 100% clear when the town roads are almost never touched when we have to leave for school or work? It doesn’t make sense that the schools gets plowed first when no one can get there because of the roads.
This is not true. Shen grounds and maintenance personnel are responsible for snow removal and we agree they do a fantastic job. Snow removal of district properties is a priority to assure accessibility especially if we are called upon to support emergency needs like when the Red Cross used our middle school as a shelter during the ice storm. You would need to contact your local highway department with concerns related to municipal roadways.
Posted on December 19, 2008 How come Shen cannot make up its mind about school delays, snow days, or even going home early while all other schools post their information usually the night before, I understand that Shen is a big district but I believe that Shen must/should be able to post their information the night before.
We don't make decisions based on a forecast from the night before because weather services have been wrong.
Posted on February 1, 2008 How do you determine when to call a snow day?
Typically, we do not close school based on a weather forecast. Here is what happens throughout the night any time a storm is in the weather forecast. Our transportation staff:
The same process is used in the event it becomes necessary to dismiss early. That decision is typically made by 10:30 a.m. The decision to after-school and evening activities is typically made by noon.
Posted on February 4, 2008 Does it count as one of the district's emergency days when kindergarten is cancelled?
The district sometimes makes the decision to cancel kindergarten because, in the event we needed to dismiss early as a result of the weather, it is more difficult to do so with kindergarten students. The state does not count it as one of the district's emergency days because kindergarten is not a mandated program.
Posted on February 4, 2008 Why are seniors who have to drive put in danger because you refused to call a snow day?
No one has to drive to school. The district provides transportation for all of its students. In the event a storm is in the forecast, students who are uncomfortable driving should plan to take the school bus.
Posted on February 1, 2008 If we don't use any of our snow days, do we get the # of days off that we did not use or do we get only 1 day off?
Collective bargaining agreements have language that addresses the calendar including the use of emergency days. The contract does stipulate that we provide additional days off for some but not all unused days. That decision is typically made and announced just before or after the spring recess.
Posted on February 29, 2008 When there is a one- to two-hour delay for the district due to weather conditions are faculty and staff required to report on time?
Posted on February 6, 2008 When the district makes the decision to cancel classes in a snow event, why does the cleaning staff have risk to come to work?
New York State Department of Education requires 180 days of instruction per year allowing for a number of emergency days that varies depending on when Labor Day falls. This is to ensure student safety and/or allow for unanticipated facility issues, etc. The fact that some staff members report and others do not when an emergency day is used is a result of collective bargaining agreements.
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Archives • How a snow day is called • Students Driving to school during snow • What staffing reports when school is delayed or closed
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