Good morning, Wildcat families!
Fall is here in Osage County! Bow season is underway, youth deer season is just around the corner, leaves are dropping, and mornings are crispy-cold reminding me that winter isn't too far away. Before long, we'll be trading falling leaves for falling snow! It can happen at any time!
As we enjoy the last of the beautiful fall weather, I want to share a few reminders about how we handle snow days and other weather-related decisions. Nothing has really changed from last year, but a little preparation now can make those unpredictable Missouri mornings easier for everyone.
How Weather Decisions Are Made
As winter weather approaches, I'll be watching forecasts closely and working with others throughout our area to evaluate conditions.
Monitoring the weather: I keep a close eye on developing weather systems, particularly when snow, ice, or freezing temperatures are expected.
Checking our roads: Early in the morning (or late at night, when necessary), I'll coordinate with Joe Neuner, our bus company team, and others throughout Osage County to assess road conditions firsthand. Simply put, if our buses can't safely make their routes, we won't be having school.
The night before: When it's clear that conditions will be unsafe, I'll do my best to announce a closing by 8:00 p.m. the evening before. I know having that information early makes planning much easier for our families.
Early morning decisions: When weather develops overnight, I'll be out checking conditions and will communicate a decision by 6:00 a.m., or earlier whenever possible.
These aren't always easy calls, especially when Missouri weather changes its mind at the last minute! Please know that I'll always do my best to make a thoughtful decision with the safety of our students and staff at the forefront.
How We'll Keep You Informed
When a weather-related decision is made, we'll share that information through several channels:
District website and Facebook page
Text messages and email alerts to our families
Television Channels 8 and 13
Zimmer Radio stations throughout our area
Please take a moment to make sure your phone number and email address are current. If something has changed, contact your child's school office so we can keep you informed. Ask your neighbor if there information is correct; they won't get this message if it is not either!
When Winter Weather Closes Our Schools
A few reminders about what happens when we have a snow day:
Activities and events: In most cases, after-school activities, practices, and events will also be canceled. If conditions improve later in the day, we'll evaluate whether certain activities can take place and communicate those decisions through our Activities Department. (Generally in the 1:00 pm timeframe)
Distance learning: We do not anticipate using distance learning on traditional snow days unless we experience an unusually high number of cancellations. Additional information is available in our student handbooks. A little winter magic: I've always believed snow days have a little Christmas magic in them. There's something special about waking up to fresh snow, heading outside to play, or simply enjoying an unexpected day at home. If conditions warrant a snow day, I want our kids to enjoy a little of that magic whenever we can!
A Final Reminder About Safety
Your child's safety will always come first.
While we make every effort to evaluate roads throughout our district, we simply cannot see every driveway, gravel road, hill, or shaded stretch of pavement. Conditions can vary significantly from one part of our district to another. If you believe your route to school is unsafe, please make the decision that's best for your family. We'll work with your child to make up missed learning when they return. We'll also continue coordinating with Mrs. Grellner at St. George to help ensure our shared families receive consistent information. As always, I appreciate your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we navigate another season of Missouri weather together. For now, enjoy the changing leaves, crisp mornings, football Sundays, and everything that makes fall in our community special. Winter will be here soon enough, and when it arrives, we'll be ready!
Until then, stay warm, stay safe, and have a terrific Wildcat day!
Winter wishes,
Bob