With winter approaching, we must prepare for the possibility of inclement weather. The decision-making process for closing schools for inclement weather is complex with the safety of our students and staff as our top priority.
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about weather closings/delays:
How does CCPS make weather closing decisions?
- Monitor weather conditions and forecasts
- Review road condition information from the local 911 dispatch and on-the-road Sheriff’s Deputies
- Check certain areas of the county known to be more prone to icing or slow melting
- Senior Staff and Division Superintendent review the information gathered and make a delay/closing decision
How will CCPS notify you when school is closed or delayed?
CCPS will announce the decision in a variety of ways:
- Phone call, text message and email to all staff and families in English and Spanish
- CCPS Mobile App
- CCPS Social Media - Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
- CCPS Website - www.culpeperschools.org
- Local media outlets: TV channels 4,5,7,9 & 29; Radio - WJMA 103.1
What are the possible closing/delay options?
- School Closure
- Calls/Emails/Text Messages will be made to families and staff and will include reporting time for 12 month employees and essential personnel
- 2-hour Delay
- Allows time for staff to clear snow or ice at the schools, and gives bus drivers the advantage of daylight to see hazardous conditions
- Early Dismissal
- Unexpected closing can leave hundreds of students home alone when parents are at work. Therefore, we seek to make a decision on any mid-morning or afternoon arriving weather systems based on the best available forecasts
- Evening Activities Canceled/Weekend Activities Canceled
- A storm watch does NOT cause a cancellation of after-school, evening, or weekend activities. A storm warning will cause such a cancellation
When are decisions made?
- When possible, decisions are made the night before.
- When conditions require a delay in the decision, our goal is to notify you by 5:30am.