Information regarding closings and delays
With winter quickly approaching, we would like to remind families about the protocols that have been established for school closings, delays, and early dismissals, as well as the cancellation of extra-curricular activities.
In the event that weather impacts the school day in any way, we use several information vehicles to communicate with parents and community members. As a reminder, this information can be found on our website.
Closing School for the Entire Day
If it appears that students cannot be transported safely to school or home at the end of the day, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk schools will not open. If an emergency closure is called, students and staff will not be expected to report to school (remote or otherwise). The district will make every attempt to announce closures or delays by 5:30 a.m. If the district is closed, all after-school activities will be canceled unless otherwise notified.
Delayed Start of the School Day
When conditions warrant, we may utilize a two-hour delay to start the school day. The district will make every attempt to announce delays by 5:30 a.m. When there is a two-hour delay, the bus will arrive 2 hours later than the usual pickup time. When a two-hour delay is called, the district retains the option to close school for the full day. The district will make every attempt to make that decision by 7:30 a.m. and communicate promptly. If no closure is communicated, parents should assume that RCS schools will open on the delayed schedule.
RCS Middle School Delay Schedule -- RCS High School Delay Schedule
Early Dismissal During Inclement Weather
The district’s philosophy is to avoid early dismissal. We do not want parents rushing home on less-than-ideal roadways, and we believe that keeping children at school is often the best way to keep them safe during bad weather. However, in the event that this is necessary, notification will be made as early in the day as possible.
Wind Chills and Cold Temperatures
Severe climate conditions where temperatures and wind chill dip into certain extreme ranges can cause concerns for the safety of our students. When wind chills approaching -25 degrees are predicted, the district may be placed on a cold weather alert. When persistent wind chills of -25 degrees or below are predicted, we may delay or close school, consistent with guidance from the New York Statewide School Health Services Center.
Afterschool, Evening Activities & Continuing Education
If students cannot be transported to and from the afternoon and/or evening activities safely, these activities will be canceled. The district will make every attempt to make the decision regarding after-school activities by 12:00 p.m. and evening activities by 3:00 p.m.
Please note, that when school is closed or after-school activities are canceled due to weather-related or other emergency events, Continuing Education classes will also be canceled.
