School Closure or Delay Procedures

During inclement weather, especially during the winter months, Pueblo City Schools has specific and proven procedures regarding delaying or cancelling a school day.  Parents and/or guardians are advised that unless informed otherwise (see below), school will be held for a complete day.  Additionally, it is important to note that if adjoining school districts are delayed or closed, those decisions are made based on weather conditions in those areas (which may not be the same as in the City of   Pueblo).

By 4 a.m. the day of projected severe weather, the director of Transportation will check weather and road conditions throughout the Pueblo City Schools’ area. Using official resources, s/he gathers as much information, including current and projected safety, weather and road conditions (receiving expert advice from the Weather Bureau, Colorado Department of Transportation, State Police, Pueblo Sheriff and the Pueblo Police Department).  A delayed start will be considered if temperatures are below 10 degrees, there is a projected wind chill factor of below zero degrees and road/street conditions are unsafe.   


By 4:30 a.m., citing the above advice, the director of Transportation will provide a recommendation to the superintendent.  As to whether conditions will permit safe transport of students to and from school. If school is canceled or delayed (see Delayed Starting Process), the Emergency Call System will be implemented.  If school is held, all reasonable efforts will be made to adhere to a full-day schedule.

Prior to 5 a.m., the superintendent will initiate the Emergency Call System.  S/he will notify key personnel of his/her decision to delay or cancel school for that day.  If the decision is to cancel school, the superintendent will also decide if all evening school activities will be canceled.  If the decision is to delay, the superintendent will provide direction on the adjusted school starting times.

By 5 a.m., the director of Public Relations will notify (by telephone and using a code word) Pueblo-area news media of closure or delay (with adjusted start times).  If school is delayed or closed, the director will coordinate updating the district’s information line (719-549-7100) and the district's Web site.

By 5:30 a.m., all principals will update their school telephone messages with closure or cancellation information.

By 6 a.m., the Emergency Call System should be completed.   For delayed reporting, the director of Transportation will run all busses, except special education busses. Principals will count students absent according to state rules and regulations, but will not penalize students for classroom work missed if parents notify the school, beforehand, that the student will be absent.

Delayed Starting Process: The same procedures will be followed for closure, except as noted: 

Pre-Schools and half-day kindergarten

• Morning pre-school and kindergarten will be cancelled; notification made by the Early Childhood Education Office.
• P.M. kindergarten and pre-school will follow the normal schedule.

Elementary Schools

• Principals will update telephone messaging system with adjusted start time.
• To include full-day and kindergarten, students will report two-hours later than the regular start time. 
• For students who arrive at the normal starting time, they will be allowed to enter the building; however, staff supervision must be in place.
• Cold breakfasts will only be served to students who arrive at the normal starting time.

Middle Schools

• Principals will update telephone messaging system with adjusted start time Will follow the regular Wednesday late-start schedule.
• For students who arrive at the normal starting time, they will be allowed to enter the building; however, staff supervision must be in place.
• Cold breakfasts will only be served to students who arrive at the normal starting time.

High Schools

• Principals will update telephone messaging system with adjusted start time
• Will follow the regular Wednesday late-start schedule.
• For students who arrive at the normal starting time, they will be allowed to enter the building; however, staff supervision must be in place.
• Cold breakfasts will only be served to students who arrive at the normal starting time.

Parents

• Are required to know the basic school delay and closure information.
• Are expected to monitor news coverage for delayed or closure information.
• Are responsible for ensuring their students are not left unattended at school prior to the adjusted start time.
• Are responsible for ensuring their students report to school at the adjusted start time.
• Will notify schools promptly if their students will not be attending that day.