The Perkiomen Valley School District recognizes that as we work to assure the safety of all of our students and staff, winter weather emergencies caused by snow and ice may cause such disruptions in school operations including school closings, delayed openings and early dismissals.
Our administration realizes that the decision to open or close schools in bad weather or emergency situations has a big effect on families. While it is always our intent to serve students in school, our top priority is the safety of our students and staff in school and on the way to and from school.
How is the decision made to close schools?
The decision to open or close schools in the Perkiomen Valley School District in bad weather is based on a careful analysis of all relevant information. The Superintendent is responsible for the final decision, but his assessment is based on recommendations from the Director of Operations & Transportation and other information such as:
- Information on road conditions from operations staff and from local police. We must give careful consideration to the most dangerous roads in the district. The Perkiomen Valley School District encompasses a total of 26 square miles in six different municipalities. The streets in your neighborhood might be cleared of snow and ice, but the roads somewhere else in the district may be quite dangerous.
- Amount of snow and ice accumulated.
- Whether precipitation is continuing.
- Building conditions.
- Parking lot conditions. Administrators talk to maintenance and custodial staff members who are responsible for clearing and treating school parking lots and sidewalks.
- Temperature and wind chill. Please remember that some of our students walk to school and many must wait outside for the bus.
- Weather predictions. We prefer not making our decision based on weather predictions, which are not always accurate. But sometimes this is unavoidable.
- Young drivers. We must consider that some high school students drive to school.
When is the decision made to close schools?
The decision must be made by 5:30 a.m. (or earlier if possible) so the district can notify radio and television stations and post the decision on the web site. If a later decision would be made to announce a school closing, some parents will have already left for work, leaving their children unsupervised.
Will We Close School if Conditions Worsen?
It is difficult to reverse the decision about opening schools without endangering students, even if weather conditions worsen. Once the decision is made to open the schools, parents rely on it and leave for work. Many students will return to unsupervised bus stops and empty houses if students are sent right back home. An early dismissal could occur if conditions worsen during the school day, but all possible attempts will be made to give adequate notice to parents first.
Although the district staff does our absolute best through this process, no perfect decision exists. If you do not feel as though it is safe for your child to attend school, we advise you to use your best judgment on whether he or she should attend. Also, we also would advise parents to discourage teenagers from driving in bad conditions and offer them alternatives if weather conditions worsen.
It is hoped that this explanation helps everyone understand the process that our district staff uses to make the best possible decision for everyone in our district.
How is the Public Notified?
Information on school closings, delayed openings, or early dismissals due to inclement weather and other emergencies will be announced via the following sources:
We Call You:
Perkiomen Valley School District utilizes an automated emergency telephone system called Blackboard/Connect 5 that allows school district administrators the ability to distribute a message to the homes of all students within a very short time. However, the system is not based in the district and is subject to a variety of limitations that are beyond the control of district personnel. Please be sure to notify your child's school about changes to your home, cell, and work numbers.
You Call Us:
Parents may call the district’s main number at (610) 489-8506 and press #2 at the prompt. Any messages about weather-related closures, late openings, or early dismissals will be heard at this number.
School District Website:
In the event of a weather-related problem or other emergency, parents can also check the Perkiomen Valley School District website (www.pvsd.org) for a special message on the home page. If there is a school closure, late opening, or early dismissal, a scrolling message will appear at the top of the screen.
Email:
In addition to a phone call from the Blackboard/Connect 5 telephone system, the Perkiomen Valley School District will also send out an email to all registered email addresses. The email message will provide details about any school closures, late openings, or early dismissals. If you are not sure if we have an email address on file for you, please contact your child's building for assistance.
PV App:
Download our free app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android). Weather notifications will be sent to all who install the app on their mobile device.
Television/Radio Stations:
Perkiomen Valley School District – School Closing Number 317
Information about school closings, delayed openings, or early dismissals due to inclement weather and other emergencies will be announced via the following sources:
Television Stations:
KYW-TV Philadelphia (CBS - Channel 3) – http://www.cbs3.com
WPVI Philadelphia (ABC - Channel 6) – http://www.wpvi.com
WCAU Philadelphia (NBC - Channel 10) – http://www.nbc10.com
WTXF Philadelphia (FOX 29) - http://www.myfoxphilly.com
WFMZ Allentown (Channel 69) – http://www.wfmz.com
Radio Stations:
KYW 1060 AM
WFMZ 100.7 FM
Information on modified schedules for a 2-hour delay:
Modified Kindergarten
A.M. - 10:30 - 12:30 p.m.
P.M. 1:30 - 3:15 p.m.
Community Education:
Community Education Classes are cancelled when there is an early dismissal or if our schools are closed due to inclement weather.
