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Pleasant Hill R-III Inclement Weather Notice December 2024

The winter months are here, and it is important to review procedures for closing school due to snow or inclement weather.  Pleasant Hill R-III School District encompasses approximately 75 square miles. During inclement weather, road conditions can vary extensively from one area to another.  The decision to cancel, delay, or dismiss early is based on current road conditions and weather forecasts. 

• When possible, the decision to cancel the opening of school will be made the night before. When weather moves in later in the evening or early in the morning, the decision will be made as close to 5:30 am to allow time for notification prior to students preparing for the school day.

• We will rely upon AMI (Alternative Methods of Instruction) day(s). Students receive assignments and complete their learning at home. This is considered a full attendance day and does not have to be made up. 

• The District may be using the two hours delay this year. Again, we'll try to make the decision the night before.

• Early dismissals will only occur if weather conditions deteriorate drastically during a school day. We will work hard not to send students home early. We realize many of our students could potentially be going to an empty home.

Please have contingency plans developed with your children in advance.  It is especially important to have plans in place for younger children. In the event a parent is not or cannot be home, arrangements should be made for the child to stay with a friend or relative. 

• Allowances for potential bus delays should be part of the planning process. 

• The bus company may go to snow routes when the majority of roads are passable for a school bus but there are a few rural roads that are not.

• Parents should encourage their children to dress for protection against prolonged exposure to the weather as a safety precaution.  

As soon as a decision is made that changes the regular school day, the District will contact TV stations. All families and staff members will also be notified immediately with a phone message. Parents are urged to provide schools with updated phone numbers or contact information that change throughout the year. School closing information will appear on the district’s Website, Facebook page, and on X (formerly known as Twitter).  Please make sure you have downloaded the PHR-3 app on your phone. This is a great form of communication that the district utilizes.

The decision to cancel school is always a difficult one.  The safety of students and faculty is the primary concern when making such decisions.  On questionable days when school is not canceled, we encourage parents to use their best judgment in deciding if they should bring their children to a bus stop or school. We fully understand parents are in the best position to determine the safety of their children based on local conditions. 

Cancellations are ordinarily added to the end of the school year. A change in the last day of school will be communicated as soon as possible.