Updated 1/2/25
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Our school district follows a thorough and carefully considered protocol when determining whether to close schools due to severe weather conditions. The decision involves collaboration among several key individuals and factors, including:
Weather Forecast: We closely monitor weather forecasts to anticipate the severity and timing of the incoming weather system.
Road Conditions: Our transportation department and school administrators assess road conditions and sidewalks to determine whether it is safe for buses and vehicles to travel. Henderson County’s roads differ from one end of the county to the other. All variables are considered when surveying roads.
Building Safety: We evaluate the safety of our school buildings, considering factors such as heating, power, and the ability to maintain safe walkways, parking lots, and entrances.
Communication with Local Authorities: We maintain open lines of communication with local agencies and public safety officials to stay informed about any community-wide issues related to the weather.
Whenever possible, decisions about school closures are made in the early morning hours or the night before to provide families with sufficient notice. Once a decision is reached, we use multiple communication channels to ensure that families are promptly informed including:
School District Website
Automated Phone Call from Dr. Lawson
Social Media
Local News Outlet
When school is canceled:
After-school activities will be canceled.
Athletic events and practices may still be held. (weather permitting)
The school calendar includes information about make-up days.
Childcare will be available at the following locations starting at 6:15 a.m. for those students already enrolled in childcare: Thelma B. Johnson Early Learning Center, Bend Gate Elementary, and East Heights Elementary. Parents/guardians from Spottsville & South Heights can take their children to Bend Gate. Parents/guardians from A.B. Chandler, Cairo, Jefferson, and Niagara can take their children to East Heights. Thelma B. Johnson Little Stars Childcare must also be enrolled at Thelma B. Johnson Early Learning Center.
Delays
If schools open on a delayed schedule:
Bus pick-up will be delayed accordingly. For example, if schools open on a one-hour delay, bus pick-up times will be delayed by an hour. If your child is picked up at 6:15 a.m., they will be picked up at 7:15 a.m.
The school day will still end at the normal time and afternoon bus routes will run on their regular schedules.
A modified breakfast will be served and the lunch menu options could change.
Preschool
Regular Start Time - 7:45 a.m.
One-Hour Delay – 8:45 a.m.
Two-Hour Delay – 9:45 a.m.
End Time – 2:45 p.m.
Elementary Schools
Regular Start Time - 7:30 a.m.
One-Hour Delay – 8:30 a.m.
Two-Hour Delay – 9:30 a.m.
End Time – 2:30 p.m.
Middle Schools
Regular Start Time - 7:55 a.m.
One-Hour Delay – 8:55 a.m.
Two-Hour Delay – 9:55 a.m.
End Time – 3:25 p.m.
High School
Regular Start Time - 8:00 a.m.
One-Hour Delay – 9:00 a.m.
Two-Hour Delay – 10:00 a.m.
End Time – 3:25 p.m.
Early Dismissals
If schools are dismissed early:
All afternoon and evening activities are canceled.
Parents/guardians of children enrolled in Childcare will be contacted and asked to pick up their child.
We understand the impact that school closures can have on families and appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these situations. Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of everyone in our school community.