Emergency Closing Information

How will I be notified about a schedule change?

We will announce any school cancellations, delays or dismissals due to weather or other hazard as soon as possible. Look to the following resources to find out about schedule changes:

• Direct Parent Phone Calls, Emails and Texts
• District and School Websites
• District and School Social Media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
• AM Radio: AM 550, AM 750, AM 1240, AM 1300
• FM Radio: FM 88.9, FM 95.5, FM 97.1, FM 98.5, FM 102.9, FM 104.1, FM 107.1
• Television: WSB-TV 2, FOX 5, WXIA 11, WGCL-TV CBS 46
• Local News: Barrow News Journal, Online Athens

How do you determine closings, delays or early dismissals?

The Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent Support Services decide how to proceed after careful monitoring and deliberation of weather reports and discussions with emergency personnel. They also rely on personal assessments (even involving our own district administrative team driving the roads) to help understand what neighborhoods look like and what may be a challenge for students. The decision is based on what is best for the majority of students.

When do you notify parents?

We make every effort to announce a closing or delay by 9 p.m. on the evening before the day in question. If conditions are too hard to tell by then, we will do our best to make the call by 5:30 a.m. on the day of the event. For early dismissals, we will notify parents as soon as we can to allow for safe and smooth dismissals and transportation.

When should my child go to the bus stop on a delayed start day?

For a one-hour delay, go to the bus stop one hour later than you normally do. For a two-hour delay, head to the stop two hours later than you normally do. For example, if your child is normally picked up his bus stop at 7:45 a.m., on a two-hour delay, the bus will pick him up at 9:45 a.m. Please remember that with a weather delay, buses might run slower than normal out of an abundance of caution.

How do early dismissals work?

Bus transportation will operate the same on early dismissal days. If you have a designated plan on file, we will be sure to follow that.

What about weekends and after-school events?

Notifications about weekend and after-school events will be sent out early enough to keep families, students and bus drivers from traveling to the event.

What if I decide it is too risky for my child to go to school?

You must do what you feel is best for your family. We understand that. If you choose to keep your child home when school has resumed, you will need to work through the absence policy at your specific school.