The winter months are officially here which means the chance for inclement weather. We work continuously to ensure the safety of CCPS staff and students while also minimizing disruptions to teaching and learning. With that being said, Mother Nature has a way appearing unexpectedly, so we want each household to be prepared when this occurs!
ASSESSING WINTER WEATHER
Division staff monitor weather reports from various sources: National Weather Service, the Sheriff’s Office, and local news channels. If snow, ice, freezing rain, or extremely cold temperatures are predicted, CCPS determines if conditions could be hazardous to buses/cars students waiting at bus stops, and student/staff drivers. Additionally, with our bus route spanning over 550 square miles, inclement weather may occur in isolated pockets of the county. As such, our “road crew” assesses road conditions in multiple locations to be certain travel is safe across the whole school division.
MAKING A TIMELY DECISION
Whenever forecast data permits, CCPS strives to make a decision the night before, so our families are better able to make alternate arrangements. However, when weather predictions are uncertain or inaccurate, we use the early morning hours to gather additional weather information and assess road conditions. When this happens, crews are on the roads between 3:30-4:45 a.m., so the team and Superintendent are well equipped to make a call by 5 a.m. A 5:00 a.m. decision allows the school division to send messaging out prior to buses, staff, and families getting on the road.
COMMUNICATING DELAYS AND CLOSINGS
When a school closure or delayed opening occurs, CCPS will communicate the information in the following ways:
-phone call
-Facebook post on the CCPS division page
-media outlets (Channel 6, Channel 8, Channel 12, WFVA 1230/ B101.5, WNNT, WRAR, FM 95.9, FM 104.5, Fredericksburg.com, Caroline Alert)
-CCPS website (ccps.us)
-Weather Codes
Code 0- Report on Time
Code 1- 1 hour late/essential employees report on time
Code 2- 2 hours late/ essential employees report on time
Code 3- schools closed/ essential employees report as needed
While making inclement weather calls appears easy, it is a complex process requiring data, people, and communication! We thank you in advance for your support of our efforts to keep our students and staff safe while protecting quality teaching and learning!
