INCLEMENT WEATHER

When bad weather is predicted prior to the start of a school day, the superintendent will make the decision to delay or cancel school at the earliest possible time that an informed decision can be made. Normally that will be at approximately 5:00 AM unless an obvious decision can be made the evening prior. Informed decisions are based on conditions of the roads when students are expected to be traveling to school.

When bad weather is predicted during the school day, administrators pay close attention to forecasts, stay in contact with neighboring district administrators, and work in coordination with transportation to keep bus drivers on standby in case of early school closings or bus route delays.

During a typical weather event (i.e. tornado or severe thunderstorms), Italy ISD will take measures to keep students and staff safe:

• Italy ISD will keep students safely in the building until inclement weather passes;

• Safe places have been established for each Italy ISD campus and building, students and staff will gather in these safe places;

• District administration stays in constant communication with local emergency services and advise campus administrators when the need arises to implement school procedures such as duck and cover and shelter in place (lockdown);

• Any buses in the immediate area of inclement weather will be stopped at the nearest school, and the students will be kept in that campus until the danger passes.

Please note, Italy ISD conducts routine drills to reinforce proper weather procedures. Just like when inclement weather conditions occur, weather severity and road conditions can vary greatly from area to area so we plan and adjust accordingly.

COMMUNICATION

For communication, Italy ISD relies on several resources for emergency and inclement weather notification to parents and staff. Currently the most used resource may be the Remind 101 text messaging application. Contact the school offices for information to sign up for Remind 101. You may also wish to follow the Italy ISD Facebook page. In addition, the district uses the following media sources for notification:

Online:

WFAA School Closing Website

TV:

Channel 4 News

Channel 5 News

Channel 8 News

Channel 11 News

As always, your patience is greatly appreciated during these times as we work to keep students and staff safe.