Weather Update: Regular Start, 1/16/24
Current status for Tuesday, January 16: Regular start.
The frequently asked questions below are intended to clarify the procedures the school follows in the event of a delayed start, school closing, or early dismissal.
How is the decision made to delay or close school?
The well-being and safety of our students and staff is the school’s top priority during inclement weather. The decision to delay the start of school, or to cancel school entirely, is based on the school’s assessment of the forecast and current weather conditions. The school does not automatically follow the local public school district. Designated personnel will typically drive the roads and speak with local authorities. Based on this information, the school administration decides whether to move forward with a closing or delay.
What do you do for cold weather?
Since are not currently running any buses, students are not waiting at the ends of driveways, so we typically do not close or delay school for cold weather.
When is the decision made, and how can I find out if there is a delay or closing?
The school typically announces decisions by 6:00 a.m. At that point, the school will notify several local television stations and radio stations: WHCC (FM 105.1), WTTS (FM 92.3), WGCL (AM 1370, FM 98.7), and WBWB (FM 96.7).
Closings and delays will also be posted to the school’s Facebook page and send out by text and email through the school’s mass notification system. The text-message notification will be sent out using the SchoolMessenger app.
How do I sign up for the school’s emergency notifications?
Get weather updates and other emergency notices for Seven Oaks Classical School right on your mobile phone. To opt in, text YES to 79041.
Why do you typically not call a delay or closing based on the weather the night before?
If the weather is severe enough, the school may call a delay or closing the night before. But it is often difficult to make accurate predictions the night before, and the school wants to avoid unnecessary closures or delays. Typically, decisions will be made the morning of, as described above.
What are my options if I think school should have been closed, or if road conditions in my area are unsafe?
Parents should use their best judgment. If you think it is unsafe to bring your child to school, you should notify the school in writing by emailing attendance@sevenoaksclassical.org. The student will be marked absent but will have opportunity to make up any missed work.
Do we have to make up missed days?
The school will not schedule make-up days for two-hour delays. However, school closures typically will be made up. The school calendar lists several potential make-up days in the spring semester. In the event of a school closure, the school will indicate when the day is to be made up.
What about after school clubs and athletics if we have a delay?
In the case of a delayed start, the school’s after-school activities typically will be held as usual. However, if school is cancelled or dismisses early, all after-school programs and activities will be canceled as well. Parents whose children attend the Ellettsville Boys & Girls Club for after-school care will need to monitor communications from the Boys & Girls Club for closure decisions.
What is our protocol for cold days when school is in session?
Our rule of thumb is that teachers will typically stay inside for recess if the windchill is 20 degrees or lower. On days that are cold, but the temperature is above the 20 degree mark, students without coats will be asked to stay inside during recess. If a student comes repeatedly without proper winter gear, parents will be notified. Other local districts will sometimes call cold weather delays out of consideration for students waiting for the bus. But that does not apply in our case.