Severe weather, such as ice storms, heavy snow fall, and tornadoes, may make it necessary to close schools.
Who Is Watching The Weather?The Superintendent’s office and administrative staff carefully watch the weather conditions during seasons of possible inclement weather.
Where Do They Get Their Information?The school district staff monitors several weather forecasting sources. Monitoring and testing of road conditions begins at 4:00 a.m. Local law enforcement officials are contacted to gather information about roads, bridges, and unsafe conditions in the county. Careful consideration is given regarding school bus routes and the safety of our students and staff. The conditions may be safe in one area of the district but very unsafe in another. Remember, Hall County is a large county.
What Factors Are Considered When Making The Decision To Close School?
The safety of all Hall County children is our primary concern when making the decision to call off school in mornings and/or to close during the school day. The following factors are considered:
– Current road conditions
– The outlook for declining road conditions during the school day
– Weather predictions
– Building conditions (e.g. whether schools have power, heat, etc.)
– Parking lot conditions
– Temperature and wind-chill
Who Makes The Decision?The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for the final decision to call off school and/or to close school early based on the above factors and recommendations from the district staff.
When Will The Decision Be Made?The decision to call off school in the mornings will be made by 6:00 a.m. If schools are closed early during the school day, a decision will be made as early as possible to prevent unsafe driving conditions for school buses and other vehicles. Parents will be notified via phone and email if current information is available in Infinite Campus. Radio and television stations will be notified.
What If Schools Close During The School Day?Parents should make sure that their child’s teacher has on file a written explanation of what the student should do in the event that school closes during the day. Parents should have an alternate drop-off approved by the Principal in case no one will be at home. The alternate drop-off must be near your normal bus stop (at a location where the bus normally travels) and it must be at a location where someone will take responsibility for your children. Buses will transport students to their normal afternoon drop-off unless other directions are on file. Buses will not drop off students at a location that is determined to be unsafe. It is impossible for the school staff to accept phoned in directions under such circumstances.
How Is The Public Notified?
Below are the media sites that will be notified of Hall County School District Closings:
All closing information is posted on the school district website www.hallco.org. Parents will receive a phone call and/or email if current information is in Infinite Campus.
Television Stations and Radio Stations
WSB-TV (Channel 2) WSB (750 AM)WAGA-TV (Channel 5) WDUN (550 AM)
WXIA-TV (Channel 11)
