As we experience disruptions due to weather forecasts, let me take this moment to address a few weather-related issues. First, safety is vital to us. But being in school is also very important. We find ourselves caught in a tension between these two values that sometimes seem in opposition.
We have no more access to weather information than is already available to the public. We look at what other schools are doing but ultimately make the decision we feel is best for our students, families, faculty, and staff. We strive to make a decision as early as possible so that you can make arrangements for your family. We try to be in school when it is reasonable for the majority of families to get to school, knowing that some families live in more remote areas and may not be able to travel safely.
Frankly, I grew up in a snowy region of the country and learned to drive on snow-packed roads (without 4-wheel drive). But when I look at the weather conditions, I can’t look and make determinations based on my experiences. I must especially consider our student drivers, whom many families rely on to get themselves and their siblings to school safely.
Did you know we have families that live in Nelson, Rockbridge, and Rockingham counties, as well as Deerfield? It is amazing how much variation in weather, especially snow and ice, there can be within the region where our families live. While we consider many data points, you know much better than we do when coming to school is unsafe for your family.
Weather-related absences and tardies are excused. The bottom line is this: whenever there is weather, we make every attempt to make the best decision for the whole school and respect and encourage you to use your discretion to make the best decision for your family.