Inclement Weather Procedures
Ferguson-Florissant School District's goal is to ensure the safety of all during inclement weather events while minimizing the disruption to student learning.
This school year, our plan is to use the first three (3) days of inclement weather as snow days. This means the first three days impacted by winter weather, schools and buildings will be closed. Teachers and students will not be expected to be online and using virtual learning, and our other staff members will not report to work unless otherwise directed by their supervisor during the first three days.
After three inclement weather days are used, FFSD will begin implementing Virtual Learning Days as part of our approved Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) plan if in-person attendance is not possible. We will provide more guidance and details on AMI Days in the near future.
The District will implement Virtual Learning Days as part of our approved Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) plan in the event that in-person attendance may be impossible, dangerous, or difficult. AMI Days can be applied on inclement weather days (snow days) and count toward DESE's (Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) attendance requirements.
If weather conditions or other unexpected, short-term events make it unsafe for students to attend in person, the District may use one of the following options:
- School may start two hours late. (Delayed start)
- Students may be released early. (Early dismissal)
- Students may learn during a 'virtual learning day.' (Asynchronous or Synchronous learning day)
- In-person classes may be canceled entirely. (A regular snow day)
What options will the District consider when weather conditions are severe?
Two-hour delayed late start - A two-hour delayed start will be used to allow staff additional time to get to school and prepare the grounds and facilities (i.e., clearing ice, sidewalks, etc.). Also, conditions and visibility often improve later in the morning. The school day will begin two hours later. All schools will end their day at the regular time. A complete list of delayed start times is listed below:
Middle (6-8) - 9:25 a.m.
High (9-12) - 10:05 a.m.
Intermediate (3-5) - 10:50 a.m.
Primary (Pre K - 2) - 11:20 a.m.
Early dismissal - In the case of developing weather conditions, the District may call for early dismissal of students. In this case, there will be no evening activities or classes.
Virtual learning day (AMI) - During a virtual learning day, in-person classes are cancelled. Students will take part in independent learning activities virtually at home through Canvas or with online teacher support.
School closing - Closing school, is necessary when the weather forecast and current conditions indicate that a late start is not possible. School closure is usually a result of snow and/or ice. This will be a traditional 'snow day' with no in-person or virtual classes.
How are parents/guardians notified of school closings?
Any decision to close schools due to weather will be announced using Ferguson-Florissant School District’s automated messaging system (email, text, and/or phone calls). Announcements will be made on local television stations, the District website, and FFSD’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. When possible, announcements regarding inclement weather days will be made before 10 p.m. the day before or at approximately 5:30 a.m. the day inclement weather is expected.
- District website: www.fergflor.org provides notification of school closings and cancellations.
- Email, Phone Call, FFSD App & Text Message: Phone, email, and text messages are sent to school families and employees when classes are cancelled, delayed, virtual, or students are released early.
- Social Media: Information will be posted on the District’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
- Radio & TV: Local stations share announcements on air and on their websites.
NOTE: If you are a parent/guardian and did not receive a phone call on a day when school is closed due to weather, please contact your child's school office to ensure the District has the correct contact information on file for your family. You can also update or change your contact information in the Parent Portal.
Extreme Cold
When very cold weather strikes we receive many questions from families and staff asking whether school will be closed due to cold temperatures alone. The answer is yes. Under certain conditions, outlined below, extreme cold may cause school to be closed for the safety of our students and staff.
The Ferguson-Florissant School District considers a set of internal weather guidelines to help determine whether temperatures are safe to hold classes. Our weather guidelines state that if the wind chill temperature is ABOVE (warmer than) -17 degrees at 5 a.m., schools are generally open. If the wind chill temperature falls BELOW (is colder than) -18 degrees at 5 a.m., schools are more likely to be closed. These guidelines take into account the amount of time it takes for exposed skin to develop frostbite and the average amount of time it takes for students to walk to school or wait at bus stops. Of course, other factors may also be considered, but these parameters provide a general guide. Click here to view a National Weather Service (NWS) brochure on wind chills to learn more.
When temperatures do not warrant closing, families should help their children to be prepared for the weather to make sure that they stay as safe and warm as possible as they make their way to and from school:
- Dress them warmly, in layers; with a hat, scarf, gloves and appropriate footwear.
- If your child generally walks to school, consider giving them a ride or having children from your neighborhood carpool together.
- If your child rides the bus, dress them warmly, but also consider waiting in the car with them at the bus stop, or having one person in your neighborhood maintain a warm car by the stop.
Just like our families do when school is in session during very cold weather, the District makes some adjustments in response to the weather to ensure our students and staff are safe and as comfortable as possible:
- Our transportation department begins preparing district buses as early as 4 a.m. to make sure the engines start and heaters work so that students have as warm a ride to school as possible. Drivers are careful to arrive at bus stops as close to “on time” as possible.
- Custodial and maintenance staff ensure temperatures inside our classrooms are comfortable and are on standby to respond to any facilities issues that can arise due to frigid temperatures outside.
- Recess and all gym class activities are held indoors.
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