Natrona County School District Guidelines For School Closures

If you ever wondered what parameters the Natrona County School District follows when considering closing schools, wonder no more. Here is a look at the guidelines that NCSD follows for closure.

GENERAL PROCEDURES FOR CLOSURE OF SCHOOL
BECAUSE OF NATURAL DISASTER OR INCLEMENT WEATHER
2011-12
I. Natrona County School District recognizes that conduct of school is an important part of community and family life, and schools will be closed for inclement weather or natural disasters only when the community itself is unable to operate reasonably. Primary factors to consider are anticipated or forecast weather conditions, safety of students being transported and walking to and from school, and staff safety in reporting for work. The principal responsibility to protect a child's health and to ensure school attendance always resides with the parent or guardian. To that end, the District through the Crisis Management Team, will promote a media and curriculum health awareness program disseminating information on matters such as weather-appropriate dress, wind chill risks, parental responsibility, health dangers, etc. Media involved will include not only local broadcast media, but also internal and external
publications such as school newsletters and staff communications. Classroom promotion will occur through the District comprehensive health curriculum. For information and consideration in this matter, a copy of a wind-chill chart is included with this regulation.
When weather conditions preclude, or are expected to preclude safe travel, schools may be closed in accordance with the following procedures.
II. PROCEDURE FOR THE EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS PRIOR TO THE TIME SCHOOL IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN THE MORNING.
Director of Transportation will make the recommendation to the Superintendent for schools to remain open or to close for the day. In their absence, a designee will make the recommendation. In all cases, the first person notified will be Superintendent). Once a decision has been made, Director of Transportation will contact Community Relations). Community Partnerships will notify the media (including print and electronic outlets) and initiate the Alert Now notification.
The National Weather Bureau (open 24 hours a day), 307-857-3898, County Emergency Management (235-9205 daytime number only) or Casper Police (get information from Sgt. on watch) 235-6611 may be called for information regarding the existing and expected weather or environmental conditions. The City of Casper Streets Division will be contacted and advised as soon as a recommendation is made, the earlier the better. This is most important. The recommendation, if it is to close schools, should be determined early enough that it can be announced to the media by 5:00 a.m.
Because of Casper area student enrollment, Midwest schools will close when Casper area schools are closed. To confirm conditions in Midwest, Midwest Principal or Transportation Foreman may be contacted. In the event Midwest School is unable to operate, the Midwest administrator in charge or Transportation Forman is to call the Bus Garage between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
Casper College often elects to dismiss classes concurrently with Natrona County School District #1. As a cooperative courtesy, Casper College may be called.

As always if you have any questions or concerns, contact your school or Central Services for clarification.