Two-Hour Delay and School Closings

When the weather requires the district administration to delay the start of school by 2 hours because of fog, snow, ice or other conditions, it is important that parents, students and staff understand what a “2-hour delay” means.

The decision to delay the opening of schools or ultimately cancel is based upon the safety and well-being of our students, the conditions of roads and highways used by parents and staff, and the weather forecast.  The county authorities are consulted regarding safety issues and street conditions, and Mr. Hunter personally drives city streets and county roads before a decision is made.   We will try to make a decision as early as possible to allow parents time to make alternate arrangements

 In the event of a 2-hour delay, there will be no Pre-School.

Buses will pick students up at their regular bus stop 2 hours after their normal, scheduled time.  For example, if a child normally catches the bus at 6:45 a.m., pick-up will be at 8:45 a.m. on days when a 2-hour delay is called.

Likewise, school will start 2 hours after the normal start time, so high school students will begin classes at 9:55 a.m. (students should report to their first block class), and all morning practices and club meetings will be cancelled; middle school students will begin classes at 9:50 a.m.; Greensburg Elementary students will begin classes at 10:20 a.m.

If the start of school is delayed, breakfast will not be served, but lunch will be available as usual.  Dismissal time will remain the same.

Safety remains the primary focus when the determination is made to close school or delay the start of school by 2 hours.  From time to time it may be predicted that a 2-hour delay will allow morning fog to lift or roads to be cleared.  If the weather has not cleared after the 2-hour delay, school will be cancelled for the day and that decision will be broadcast via local media and the one-call automated parent connect system. The automatic messaging system is linked to the school’s computer, and it uses the number listed for the home phone in relaying important information. Because of this parents/guardians should advise the school of changes in demographic information, particularly new phone number.  Please remember that parents always have the right to make the final decision if they feel it is not safe to send children during inclement weather.

It is generally district policy that once the school day has begun, students are not released early.  However, if there is a situation that would call for early dismissal, the same procedure would apply.

It is the policy of Greensburg Community Schools for all elementary and middle school extra-curricular activities to be postponed when schools are closed or dismissed early for inclement weather.  The high school shall make the most informed decision in each particular case as to whether athletic events shall be played.  We will make every attempt to post on the school web site the status of each athletic event affected and notify the local media when possible.