The Warrior Way Podcast - Episode 3 - Weathering the Storm: Inside WBSD’s School Closure Process

Welcome to The Warrior Way, the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District podcast where we talk about all things WBSD. On today's episode we are talking about the process for school closing days, specifically when there's inclement weather, most commonly known as "Snow Days."

Recognizing that our decision to close schools for inclement weather has a significant impact on WBSD families, we thought it would be helpful to share the factors that go into a weather-related school closing.

Before making a decision to close school, we utilize a number of resources and multiple factors are considered. This decision is not taken lightly.

So, how do we make our decision?

We make the decision to open or close the schools in bad weather based on a

careful analysis of all relevant factors, such as:

► Weather Forecasts - realizing that as much advance notification of school closures is a great benefit to our families, we rely quite a bit on weather forecasts, including consultations with local meteorologists. This is usually done in concert with county-wide and/or neighboring superintendents.

► Amount of snow and ice expected to accumulate and duration and timing of the snow

and/or ice.

► School building conditions (electricity, heat, water) and parking lot and sidewalk conditions.

► Temperature and wind chill (for safety of walkers and students at bus stops).

Who makes the decision?

The superintendent makes the final decision. Once a decision is made, local

media outlets are notified, notification is made via our school messenger

system, internet-based resources (district website - mywbsd.org - social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and our Nixel Emergency Alert System.

It’s important to be sure your student’s school office has your current contact

information on file to be able to contact families quickly and accurately regarding school closings and other important messages.

When is the decision made?

When the decision is made to close, giving parents as much notification as possible is important to us. More often than not, school closures that are weather related are determined the evening prior;

Sometimes, that decision cannot be made until the early morning hours.

Texts, calls, emails and social media notifications are released as soon as possible to give families proper planning time.

Information is also shared with local radio and television stations. Our earliest weather related closing notifications are delivered via our Nixle Alert System. Text “WBSD to 888777” to receive instant notification from the school district.

We can appreciate that not everybody agrees with the decision (whether it’s to close or stay open). When the decision is made to open school on a questionable day, every parent is encouraged to make a decision that they are comfortable with. If you don’t believe that the weather conditions are safe enough to send your child to school, or for young drivers, for them to drive in, then by all means, make the decision that is right for you and keep your child at home.