School Closing- Be Prepared!

by Lyn Newton | More from this Blogger

I am now convinced that all parents should create a 'school is closing early' plan. This plan would direct children in exactly what to do if school should close early. Parents could inform children on if they should ride the bus to their house or be picked up by a family member. Parents could also talk to children about making sure their siblings are taken care of also. When inclement weather is in the forecast, make preparations just in case. Call grandparents or other family members and see who can be on 'stand-by'. Make sure that you keep a radio or television on at all times. Also, check messages on your answering machine or cell phone frequently to insure that the school is not trying to contact you.

So what brought on these thoughts? As I drove to school Friday, it began to sleet. In southern Tennessee, we do not get much snow or sleet. Therefore, our schools usually close at the first sign of either one. The grocery stores also become busy and the town panics. I had a feeling that we may not be at school long. As the bell rang, I had a few students trickle into my class. I then received the news. School was canceled. The administration began turning away parents that were dropping off their children. However, the bus drivers had already left their students and some early car rider parents had come and gone. I was a more fortunate teacher and only had five total come to my room. Some other classes had the majority of students there. The sleet came harder and the talk of it worsening throughout the day worried the school director. He had made the closing decision while most people were in transit to school. All seemed pretty calm. The principal began calling out students to return to the buses and the assistants called other students to inform them that their parents were there to pick them up.

Two hours later, we still had one kindergarten student's parents that could not be reached. Finally, they were tracked down and came to pick up their son. I then began to wonder what happened to all of the children in the county that rode the bus back home. Most, I am sure, were safe and warm. They likely either had stay-at-home moms or grandparents to go home to see, or their parents had heard the news and made some type of arrangement. But then all types of different situations began entering my head. What about parents that dropped off their child and then had a long commute to work? What if the parent could not get home before the bus? Could there be children standing outside locked doors? I believe that most bus drivers wait to ensure that children are in the home before leaving the house. Yet, we all know that there are people that do not properly perform their job. So then, I began to wonder if it was a wise decision to send these children home so quickly after arriving at school. In the event of the weather worsening, I am sure that it was the best decision. However, I do suggest that all parents create and share with their children a plan in the event of early school closing.

More Snow Day Articles Surviving Snow Days NO SCHOOL SNOW DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Snowed In and Housebound---Five Ways To Pass The Time

Learn more about Lyn Newton

Lyn is a kindergarten teacher and mommy to a girl and a boy. In her spare time, she enjoys informative and creative writing.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger