School Closings, Delays and Early Dismissals

In the event that weather conditions necessitate delaying or closing schools, information will be announced by the local radio/TV stations, through our app and on the district website and social media. Families and staff are notified by the district through phone, email and text alerts. For how weather decisions are made, please read this overview and reference this Transportation Dept. Q&A. 

Snow days will be made up according to the academic calendar.

Delay options
Normal bus arrival times are pushed ahead by the respective delay.

1-hour delay schedule:

• Elementary begins at 9:10 a.m.
• Secondary begins at 9:40 a.m. 

2-hour delay schedule:

• Elementary begins at 10:10 a.m.
• Secondary begins at 10:40 a.m.

3-hour delay schedule:

• Elementary begins at 11:10 a.m.
• Secondary begins at 11:40 a.m.

Cold Weather Guidelines
In the case of extreme cold, the district may consider a 1-hour delay, 2-hour delay, 3-hour-delay or cancellation if the actual temperature dips below minus 5 degrees, and there is a windchill below minus 20 degrees. Any decision takes into account how long students are exposed to the cold and whether buses can operate properly. Sometimes it can be too cold for the amounts of fuel additive the district is allowed by state law to mix with school bus diesel fuel to prevent it from jelling.

Weather Call Times
Every year, SCASD families have a choice about when to receive district notifications in the morning about weather-related school delays or closings. There are two options — 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m — to receive a call, email and text. If you wish to change your designated time, you may do so. While you can change the time, you cannot opt out of the call.

To make a change, log into ParentVUE on a desktop computer, as you can’t update times via the SCASD app. Then select SCASD Links on the left side navigation, and then Parent Weather Call Time. Update your call time and press submit. One note: Guardians share a call time, so whatever choice is made by either guardian will be set for both.

SMS Text Alerts
While we primarily use SMS messaging for weather alerts, it would also be an important means of communicating in the event of an emergency. Therefore, we do ask that you complete this section.

To add text alerts on a computer, return to the ParentVUE overview page and click My Account at the top right. Then scroll down to where it says Phone Numbers. If you do not see a SMS (text) number, you will need to enter one, even if it is the same number as your primary phone number. To add it, click the plus sign on the right and a new row will appear. Under “type” select SMS and then enter the phone number. Finally, scroll down and press Update Account.

For adding text alerts in the ParentVUE app, open the app and select My Account at the bottom and then Phones. Here you will see your phone numbers. If there is no SMS number listed, click the plus sign, enter your SMS phone number and select SMS under “type.” These are all the fields you need. Then press Add at the bottom right.

For an additional way of finding out about weather-related announcements, download the free SCASD app available in the App Store and on Google Play. Make sure you “allow notifications,” because that’s how weather alerts are communicated.

If you are having problems logging into your account or changing your call time, please email itsupport@scasd.org.

What are your procedures for early dismissals? 
Sometimes, because of weather during the school day or impending conditions, the district must dismiss schools early in the interest of safety. In most cases, we will notify parents and guardians by noon through phone calls, emails and texts.