Code No. 712.11
TRANSPORTATION IN INCLEMENT WEATHER
School district buses will not operate when weather conditions due to fog, rain, snow or other natural elements make it unsafe to do so. Because weather conditions may vary around the school district and may change quickly, the best judgment possible will be used with the information available.
The final judgment as to when conditions are unsafe to operate will be made by the superintendent. The superintendent will be assisted by the actual "on location" reports of the transportation supervisor, other interested parties and drivers.
Drivers occasionaly will be asked to report weather and road conditions by bus radio when requested. Other employees and students will be notified by several designated communication mediums (Radio, Televison, JMC Student Mangement System (Phone, email and text), Facebook, District Website and Twitter) when school is cancelled or temporarily delayed. When school is cancelled because of weather anywhere in the school district, all schools will be closed.
When weather conditions deteriorate during the day after school has begun, cancellation notices will be announced byseveral designated communication mediums (Radio, Television, JMC Student Management System (Phone, email and text), Facebook, District Website and Twitter). Students will be returned to their regular drop-off sites unless weather conditions prevent it. In that case, students will be kept at or returned to school until they are picked up by the parents.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code 279.8 (2013).
Approved 9-13-93 Reviewed 12-5-13 Revised 3-15-2021
Code No. 712.11R1
Transportation in Inclement Weather
With the arrival of winter weather season it is time to remind everyone about the procedures and guidelines regarding snow/weather closures or delays. Riverside Community School District will remain open, if at all possible, on all scheduled school days, even when weather conditions may be extreme in the belief that it is in the best interest of the students. The District is concerned about the safety of all students, staff and patrons. We encourage everyone to use caution traveling safely to and from our schools and buildings. Please know that parents can keep children home when weather is extreme. Schools understand and respect this decision and will work with families. Remember, no announcement means normal school operation. School closure or delayed start information will always be posted no later than 6:00 a.m. on the Riverside Community Schools website at riversideschools.org, through social media and local news outlets.
On occasion, weather may be so extreme the District will close schools or implement a late start or early dismissal. The following information outlines the communication procedures that will be followed if such school closures or delays become necess
Media Announcements
Parents and employees should listen to these designated radio or television stations for school closure information between the hours of 5:30-8:00 AM (If schools dismiss early, the media will air the announcement as soon as possible.)
Listen for One of These Messages
“Schools Will Be Closed” (day and date)
“Schools Will Start Late” (day and date)
“Schools Will Dismiss Early” (day and date)
One of the following messages will be aired by the media:
Keep Phones Accessible
Phones will be used for emergencies; therefore, parents are asked not to call the schools or the District.
Closures Posted on the Web and Social Media
School closure information will be posted by 6 a.m. on Riverside Community School District website at riversideschools.org, District Facebook Page, District Twitter account, Superintendent Facebook Page and Superintendent Twitter account.
Phone, E-mail and Text Notification
Parents will also receive a text, e-mail, phone call from our automated Student Information System (JMC). It is important that parent contact information is updated on a regular basis to make sure you receive this notification.
Authorized Statements
The media will only announce school closures when authorized by the Superintendent or his designee after he has consulted with the Transportation Coordinator the National Weather Service, other area schools and other state, county and city agencies.
Closures for One Day Only
All announcements are for one day only.
Normal Operation
No announcement means normal operation.
Parents Need an Emergency Plan
Parents are encouraged to establish an emergency plan for their children in the event that schools are closed, start late or are dismissed early. Parents should instruct their children where to go or what to do if a parent is not at home.
Bus Stops
On severe weather days, understand that buses may be running late due to road conditions and/or traffic delays. Please watch for email, phone or text messages regarding delayed bus routes. Parents are asked to wait with and/or meet their students at bus stops when buses are running on delayed or emergency schedules.
Make-up Days
Whether or not the day will be made-up once canceled will be determined by the Superintendent.
Late Start
When the District has designated a school day as “Schools Will Start Late,” the expectation is that employees will arrive at their schools/departments based upon the amount of time the delay has been announced , or as soon as they can arrive safely.
Approved 8-20-2018 Reviewed 7-16-2018 Revised 3-15-2021