The Waterville Central School District has established weather-related protocols regarding school closure, delays, early dismissals, remote learning, or the cancellation of after school and evening activities. The district uses several methods to communicate this information with parents and community members.
In the event that the district must activate its inclement weather plan, parents and community members will be notified through the following:
- ParentSquare email, text alerts and phone calls. Parents must download the Parent Square APP to be connected to ParentSquare (PS). If you are not receiving district communications through PS, please contact your building secretary. At MPS, please contact Mary Blunt at mblunt@watervillecsd.org and at the Jr/Sr High, please contact Jen O’Sullivan at josullivan@watervillecsd.org. This method is only available to district families and staff.
- The district website
- Local media stations and websites: WKTV, Spectrum News, WFRG 104.3, WIBX 950 AM, WLZW Oldies 96
District Protocols
School Closure
If it appears that students cannot be transported safely to school or back home at the end of the day, the Waterville CSD will not open. The district will make every attempt to the greatest extent possible to announce a delay or a school closure by 6:00 a.m.
Delayed Start
When conditions warrant, the district may utilize a two-hour delay to the start of the school day. When there is a two-hour delay, the bus will arrive 2 hours later than the usual pickup time. On these days, there will be no morning BOCES and breakfast will not be served. There will be no morning Fitness Center on these days. When a two-hour delay is called, the district retains the option to close school for the full day.
Early Dismissal
The district will do its best to avoid early dismissals as we realize this is a hardship for parents/caregivers. However, If weather conditions are expected to deteriorate and warrant an early dismissal, the district will notify parents through the listed channels and as early in the day as possible.
Remote Learning
This will not be the preferred option this school year, unless emergency days have been exhausted. In that case, students would be instructed to bring home their Chromebooks on a daily basis and K-5 would be issued devices. The decision to utilize remote learning days instead of taking back vacation days will be made later in the season if necessary.
Cancellation of Afterschool and/or Evening Activities
When conditions warrant, the district may need to cancel afternoon and/or evening activities. Decisions about afterschool and evening activities will be made by 2:00 p.m. and be communicated through the listed channels. The Athletic Director will also inform parents of athletes through ParentSquare. The Fitness Center will be closed as well.
Wind Chills and Cold Temperatures
Wind chills and cold temperatures may dip into extreme ranges which can impact student safety. If negative wind chills are predicted, the district may be placed on a cold weather alert and outside recess will be canceled. Persistent wind chills of -25 or greater may delay or close school, consistent with guidance from the New York Statewide School Health Services Center.
Additionally, as we approach the colder weather, please make sure that all children, including teenagers, have appropriate outerwear every day. Warm jackets, hats, scarves, boots and an extra pair of gloves will protect them. If your child is in need of any of these items, please contact Connected Community Schools at mirandas@connectedcs.org.