Calling Snow Days

I wanted to take a few minutes and work through the process of calling a snow day. I have always heard that trying to predict the weather is a foolish game to play; especially in Colorado. This morning is a classic example. When there is an upcoming snowstorm both myself and the transportation director stay tuned to what the weather may be doing. Early in the morning, the roads are assessed to ensure that buses have safe routes to transport students to school. What is a big deciding factor, with buses running, are the winds and snow drifts on the back roads.

This morning, as we were working through the decision, we were faced with some snow on the county roads, no wind and the temperature was to be close to 40 degrees allowing for melting this afternoon. Our priority is to take what information we have and make a decision as quick as possible and preferably before 6:00 am. Once the decision is made to keep school open we have to see it through as we will have students and staff making their way in. After 6:00 am this morning mother nature decided to unleash itself and created a more treacherous drive than anticipated.

I also want to convey to families and staff, when we are faced with mornings of which we have to do our best to predict what mother nature intends, we have to use our best judgement. I want to commend those who were up early working on the parking lots, walks and those who did have to make a pretty rough drive to work and to school to drop off their children. I want to express that when we have these situations, please use your best judgement. If you feel it is too risky to come to work or to drop your child off, please stay home and take care of your family. I am more interested that everyone feels safe than if you made it to school through the worst snow storm we've had since last spring. I respect your judgement and will work very hard to be thoughtful and flexible given any circumstance that we face as a school community.

I appreciate your time and understanding today. Thank you for all you do!

Chris Vance