Inclement Weather Procedures

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Plan Ahead For Inclement Weather

Decision Making:
When inclement weather threatens our area, District Five administrators use every resource available to make the best, and SAFEST, decision for our students, teachers and staff.  Our District administration team, along with our Transportation department, consults local weather officials, the SC Department of Transportation, and when needed, local law enforcement, to assist in this process.  After monitoring weather conditions, and ensuring we have the most accurate information on the forecast, District officials will then make a decision on whether to open, close campuses early, cancel school, or delay opening.

Stay Connected:
If you want to know as soon as the District makes a decision regarding closing, or delaying school, be sure to download our FREE District Five mobile app in either the Apple or Google Play stores.  Also, make sure you "like" our Facebook and Twitter pages!  Parents, families, and employees will also receive weather notifications through our automated phone system.

Safety Is Our First Priority:
When making inclement weather decisions, one of the first, and most important, issues the district must consider is transportation.  Thousands of our students ride the bus to and from school every day.  Many others ride in cars with their parents or families.  As the safety of our students is always District Five's first priority, we must consider the condition of our roads and transportation hazards when it comes to inclement weather.  After an inclement weather event, our transportation team does a thorough examination of major and secondary roads throughout the district.  If any snow, ice or hazards still exist, this weighs heavily on the District's decision to cancel, delay, or open school.

Early Dismissal:

  • If a decision is made to dismiss school early, Principals and other District level administrators will be notified immediately by phone, so announcements can be made to students and staff

  • Parents/guardians will receive notification through an automated phone call

  • Notification will also immediately be sent out through the District Five mobile app, our Facebook and Twitter pages, and our District and school websites

School Cancellation:

  • When possible, District administrators, along with Superintendents from all Spartanburg County districts, try to make inclement weather decisions the night before to allow parents, families and employees as much advance notice as we can.  Notifcation will be sent out through an automated phone call

  • If a decision cannot be made until morning, the District tries to make that decision no later than 6:00 a.m.  Parents, families, and employees will be notified immediately through an automated phone call

  • Notification will also immediate be sent out through the District Five mobile app, our Facebook and Twitter pages, and our District and school websites

  • Local TV stations, including WYFF, WSPA, FOX, and WLOS, along with the Spartanburg Herald Journal, will also be notified

Delayed Opening of School:

  • When the District delays opening its campuses, it will use the same methods of communication as in "School Cancellation"

  • Employees are expected to report to work at the announced delayed time, barring any safety hazards on their commute to school

Making Up Missed Days:

  • All make-up dates are listed on the District's calendar and can be found on the District's website at www.spart5.net

  • All teachers and District staff must make-up time missed due to inclement weather