We wanted to inform everyone of the process that is taken in determining closing school due to weather. We certainly prefer to stay open and understand that closing can be extremely difficult for families, but safety is the most important factor.
Our Process
We are always monitoring weather during the winter months, and try to make decisions in a timely manner to inform families.
Our process involves travelling to many areas of our district, especially locations that we have recognized as the most challenging to traverse in severe weather. We communicate with neighboring districts, the National Weather Service, and the road commission to gather as much information as possible.
Most often we will try to give ourselves the best chance to have school by evaluating conditions in the morning and making a decision. Occasionally if the day / evening prior to the school day in question is showing very evident indications that it will be unsafe we may announce the day prior to allow families to do their best in making arrangements.
We generally try to make our decision between 5:30am and 6am. If you do not hear from us by 6:15am, it is a good indication that LCS will be open and in session.
There are certain scenarios where we may send out a message letting families know that school is open but buses might be running behind, so please be thoughtful on reading the communication rather than assuming any call or text is a cancellation.
Notifications
We use the contact information that you have provided to communicate any changes through phone, email, and text.
We will use our App to send out push notifications, add it to our Facebook Page, and on the live feed of our app and website.
We will add it to local television closing announcements
Family Responsibilities / Opportunities
Always have updated contact information on file with the school
Visit District and School Website
Follow Lawton Community Schools and Buildings on Facebook
Get the LawtonCS App from the App Store or Google Play, and allow push notifications
Check local television networks
Monitor weather, have plans for childcare in case of school closures, and allow enough time to arrive at school safely.
2 Hour Delay Option and Awareness
This is an option that we don’t often use, and don’t necessarily like considering due to the challenges for everyone.
In certain situations it could be useful to ensure our students safely arrive at school.
If we ever decide that a 2 hour delay is the best approach, it is exactly what it sounds like. All aspects of school beginning such as bus pick ups, buildings being open, the opening bell, begins 2 hours after it is traditionally scheduled.
Principals would be in communication with their families on any needed adjustments that may be required. Again this is an unlikely scenario, but we wanted everyone to be informed.
Thank you in advance as we approach the winter season and the beautiful challenges that West Michigan has to offer.