With the cold weather season creeping up on us, it's the perfect time to review the Murray City School District's (MCSD) Inclement Weather Protocols.

Our primary goal remains simple: to keep schools open and operating safely. The well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority. When hazardous conditions arise, we have three clear options we will implement.

 

Three Options for Hazardous Conditions

Late Start: Two-Hour Delay: A Late Start moves the school schedule back two hours from the regular start time.

• Buses: Will run exactly two hours later than their regular schedule.

• Canceled: All pre-school classes, school breakfast, and field trips will be canceled for the day.

• Instruction: The school day will proceed on the delayed schedule.

Remote Learning Day: School From Home: This option shifts all learning to a digital format from home. This allows instruction to continue without the risks associated with travel.

• Preparation: When possible, we will anticipate a storm and direct students to take their Chromebooks home the day before.

• Instruction Posted: Teachers will post assignments two hours after the regular start time in:

  • Elementary: ParentSquare or Google Classroom

  • Secondary: Canvas

  • Kindergarten teachers will communicate work directly through ParentSquare.

• Teacher Availability: Teachers will be available to assist students digitally from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

• Assignments: Students must complete assignments by 3:00 PM the following day to be counted as present and avoid an absence.

• Canceled: Meal programs, field trips, and some after-school events will be suspended.

Full Closure: Buildings Closed: This is the most extreme option. School buildings are closed, and no remote learning or school functions will occur.

• Make-Up Day: A full closure will require a make-up day on a designated no-school day in the academic calendar to ensure we meet state-mandated instructional time requirements.

 

How We Communicate a Decision

We know that severe weather can disrupt electricity, phone, and internet services. To ensure you get the message, we use multiple communication channels:

• ParentSquare: We will send phone calls, text messages, in-app notifications, and emails via ParentSquare.

• Digital Updates: Information will be posted on the district website, school websites, and social media platforms.

• Media Partners: We coordinate with local TV and radio stations to announce the decision.

We will be up early—hours before the start of school—to monitor conditions and communicate our decision as early as possible. Please help us maintain accuracy by avoiding sharing information based on speculation or what other districts might be doing.

 

Why In-Person Learning Matters

While student and staff safety is paramount, and we respect every family's individual decision to stay home, we remain committed to keeping schools open whenever safe for three important reasons:

1. Academic Success: Research shows that in-person learning optimizes lesson delivery and student engagement, leading to better academic outcomes.

2. Social and Emotional Health: Daily, in-person social and emotional engagement with peers and teachers is vital for every student's growth and feeling supported.

3. Essential Support: We recognize that some families rely on school for supervision, warmth, and essential nutrition (two meals). Keeping buildings open ensures these critical needs are met for all students.

We encourage every family to log into their Aspire accounts today to confirm your contact information is correct so you don't miss any critical alerts!

If you have questions, please reach out directly to your school administrators and teachers.

 

Click here to review and download a copy of our Inclement Weather Protocols.