When winter weather conditions cause delays or school closings, announcements are made over the radio, and via IRIS alert phone calls and text message. Delays and closings will be posted on the St. Stephen St. Edward School website and Facebook page.
We follow Warwick Valley Central School District delay and closings. ***Please check with your individual school district to see if their buses will be running during delays or closures.***
The decision to close school during inclement weather is not made lightly. Many factors are considered, with student safety being the most important. The decision to close school or to have a delayed opening or early dismissal is based on the recommendations of transportation and Warwick Valley Central School District facilities directors, and after thorough analysis of the following relevant factors:
- Information on road conditions from transportation staff and police
- Current weather conditions and accumulation
- Temperature and wind chill
- Weather predicitions
- District buildings and parking lot conditions
- Other school districts- It is common practice to check with neighboring districts to see if their schools will be open or closed.
It is important to note that, when the decision is made to open school, it cannot be reversed later in the morning without endangering students. Many parents rely on our decision to determine when they will leave for work. If conditions worsen, students cannot be transported right back home, since many will return to unsupervised bus stops and empty houses. When weather conditions warrant, students may be released early, after giving adequate notice to parents. While administrators go through a comprehensive decision-making process before deciding to open or close school, this decision is not an exact science. If school is open, but you feel it is not safe for your child to attend, use your best judgment.