Our district staff understands that our decision to open, delay opening, close, or dismiss schools early in inclement weather has a significant effect on families and staff. We also understand that our students are better served; both academically and socially, by being in school. However; as always, our top priority is the safety of our students, staff, and community. Provided below are some answers to key questions you may pose.

Please understand that we decide to open, delay opening, close or dismiss schools early in inclement and/or anticipated/pending inclement weather based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors, such as:

• Information on road conditions from transportation staff and the police is a factor, with careful consideration given to the most dangerous roads in the school district. Even if your street looks clear, travel elsewhere in the school system may be hazardous. Also, consideration is given to our high school student drivers.

• Amount of snow and/or ice accumulation

• Whether precipitation is continuing

• Building conditions (e.g. access to electricity and heat)

• Parking lot conditions. We collaborate with our maintenance and custodial staff members who are responsible for clearing and treating district schools parking lots and sidewalks

• Temperature and wind chill. Some of our students may walk to school and/or wait outside for the bus

• Weather predictions. We prefer not making our decision based on weather predictions, which are not always accurate; however, at times unavoidable

• What other school districts are doing. When possible, we will also share information with other local districts and check whether they are opening, delaying opening, closing, or dismissing early

The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for the final decision, based on the above factors and recommendations from the Assistant to the Superintendent, who consult with our Director of Facilities and Transportation and other staff.

Parents/Guardians will be contacted via the DBASD ConnectED auto-notification system. The community can access the following radio and television news stations; as well as websites, for up-to-date information on school closings and/or delays & early dismissals:

• Radio: WEEU 830 AM (Reading); KYW 1060 AM (Philadelphia)

• Television: WFMZ – 69 News; ABC – Channel 6 (Philadelphia); CBS – Channel 8 (Philadelphia); NBC – Channel 10 (Philadelphia)

• Websites: DBASD (http://www.dboone.org/); Reading Eagle (http://www.readingeagle.com)

• Social Media: Daniel Boone Area School District Facebook

We will attempt to decide no later than 5:00 a.m. or earlier so we can notify radio and TV stations and post the decision on the DBASD website.

Based upon the best available information, we will make one of the following choices regarding district schools/offices opening, delay, or closure:

• Schools and offices will open on time

• Schools will utilize a Flexible instructional Day (FID) with offices being opened

• Schools will utilize a Flexible instructional Day (FID) with offices being closed  

• Schools and offices will be closed

• Schools will be closed; offices will be open (on time or delayed opening)

• Two-Hour Delayed Opening – means there will be a two-hour delay in opening and transportation pick-up (if schools are open)

• Early dismissal due to pending threat of inclement weather

Keep in mind that, even if weather conditions worsen during the day, we are reluctant to reverse our decision to open or close school early due to the possibility of endangering students. Once we decide to open the schools, many parents rely on it and leave for work. If we then send students back home, many will return to unsupervised bus stops and empty homes. However, if conditions are predicted or continue to get worse during the school day, we may need to have an early dismissal.

Although we do our absolute best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists when dealing with mother nature. If for some reason a safety issue exists’ and your child will not be attending school, please follow the attendance protocol and notify your child’s school. Also, discourage teenagers from driving in dangerous conditions and offer them alternatives if weather conditions are poor.

We hope that this information helps everyone understand the process that our district staff uses to make the best possible decision for all in our school district.

A “Modified Kindergarten” schedule will be used when situations, such as inclement weather, force a delayed start to school. “Modified Kindergarten” will be used in the event of a 2-hour delay. Using a “Modified Kindergarten” schedule permits the district to balance more evenly the instruction provided for both AM and PM Kindergarten sessions, while also responding to the state required attendance regulations. Also, please note that while the AM Kindergarten session time spills into the traditional lunch hour in our “Modified” schedule, AM Kindergarten students will not be served lunch in school. It is anticipated that AM Kindergarten students will have eaten before they arrive at school at 10:30 AM on “Modified Kindergarten” days.

Please refer to the chart below to understand the details of a 2 Hour Delay “Modified Kindergarten” schedule:

If you have any questions please contact your child’s school.

PLEASE NOTE: All non-public transportation will operate on DBASD’s schedule.