RATON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Inclement Weather Protocol
11/22/2013
The rationale that the superintendent uses for determining whether schools should close or start late for inclement weather is the following:
The superintendent first checks with the Transportation to see if the bus drivers feel it is safe to drive in icy or snowy conditions.
If the school facilities are warm and the plumbing is working then school is conducted at regular hours. Teachers will be at school at 7:30 AM and principals a little earlier.
It is the parent’s decision to decide whether it is safe for their individual circumstances to allow their child to stand at a bus stop. Some are too young and some families cannot provide the cold weather clothing that is required. In those cases a parent should not put their child in danger. The district does not count tardies or absences for PreK- 5th as unexcused when this happens but we do expect a call from the parent.
If you are dropping your child off at school please do so safely and make sure your child is inside the building or in the presence of duty staff before leaving.
The bottom line is that the superintendent decides whether school will open or not; and the parents decide (based on their individual circumstances) whether their child will come and at what time. Most of my experience with schools has been with Northern Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota and this procedure works well.
Late starts will be rare and will be announced via local media (KRTN, KCRT, KOAT TV, KOBT TV and KRQE). It is usually no warmer at 9:00 that it is at 7:00.
The School Athletic Directors or the RMS/RHS principals will call KRTN when an athletic event is cancelled. You may also call either one of those schools.
Again, when or if a child comes in is up to the parents. We are open for business for all families who can get their child to school at the regular time; which is most of the parents. Hope this helps.
Warmly,
M. Neil Terhune
Supt.
