Our district uses ParentSquare to communicate with families through email, text, and app notifications. We want to make sure every family receives important district updates, including weather-related closings and delays.

We encourage all families to log in to their ParentSquare account:

• Download the ParentSquare mobile app. 

• Review your notifications settings. 

• Turn on your app, text and email notifications.

Visit our district website for download instructions: https://www.hcs.stier.org/131792_3

Weather-Related Delays and Closures: The Decision-Making Process

Our team closely monitors current and forecasted conditions early morning to assess the safety of travel. Factors such as the effectiveness of snow removal on school properties and the condition of local roads play a crucial role in our decision. We collaborate with neighboring districts, governmental authorities, and weather experts to ensure we have comprehensive information to make the best decision. 

Delayed Start Times

In the event of a delay, school start times will be pushed back by one or two hours from the normal schedule. Should there be a two-hour delay, please note that morning pre-kindergarten classes will not be held.

One-hour delay start time is at 8:40 a.m. with breakfast being served.

Two-hour delay start time is at 9:40 a.m. with no breakfast being served.

School Closures

We are guided by National Weather Service advisories regarding wind chill factors. A forecasted sustained wind chill of -30 degrees Fahrenheit or an actual sustained wind chill of -15 degrees Fahrenheit between our identified travel times will necessitate school closure.

Notification Procedures

We aim to notify families of any changes by 6 a.m. on the affected day. In severe conditions, we may make this call between 6 and 9:30 p.m. the evening before. Please stay alert to communications via local media, automated calls, text and push notifications through ParentSquare, and updates on the district’s website.  

Cancellation of Activities

When schools are closed, all after-school activities and meetings are canceled, except for essential board meetings. 

Flexibility for Families

We understand that weather conditions can vary greatly within our district. If you believe that travel is too hazardous for your student(s), you may opt to keep them at home. Notify your student’s school, and we will mark the absence as excused.

Winter Weather Safety Education

We encourage you to discuss winter weather safety with your children, especially those who walk to school, to ensure they are prepared for any inclement conditions.

Please know that our focus is to keep our community safe during the winter season. Here’s to hoping for a mild winter. As we make decisions about closures or delays, we will be taking in all information to make our decisions. Our priority is to keep our community safe during severe weather events.

Warm regards,

Heath Georgia 

Superintendent of Schools