There may be times during the winter months in the Katahdin area that roads will be too icy or dangerous to transport students. During this current school year, the Department of Education has waived the number of school days requirement until January 15, 2021. Based on this information we will not have remote learning days if school is cancelled due to snow or ice prior to January 15, 2021.
As in previous years, if school is to be cancelled or delayed, we will send an automated voice/text message between 5:00 and 5:30 AM. We will also notify local radio and TV stations that are listed below.
On some occasions, a mid-day dismissal may occur. If this situation arises we will make every effort to provide lunch to students prior to them being dismissed. Announcements will be made on the radio and by automated voice/ text message. Please establish a plan with your child so he/she will know what to do should any of these situations occur this winter.
Delays, no school announcements and mid-day dismissals will be announced on the following radio and TV stations in addition to our automated telephone system:
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Ch 2 WLBZ Bangor
Ch 5 WABI
WVII ABC7 – WFVX FOX Bangor
Ch 8 WAGM
Q106.5 Town Sq Media
WHOU 100.1 FM Houlton
People often ask how decisions to cancel, delay or dismiss early are made. Decisions are made between 4:30 and 5:00 AM based on the best available information at that moment in time including:
1. Review of most recent radar conditions for the area,
2. Reviewing current weather reports and forecasts,
3. Conversations with people who are on the road checking conditions including transportation supervisor, and town crews
4. School yard conditions
5. Conversations with school grounds employees
6. Knowledge of where employees are traveling
Within about 15 - 20 minutes, we use this data to determine if we can safely transport students to school and later get them safely home.
We know, despite what forecasters and radars show, conditions can change rapidly. If you as a parent ever feel it is not safe to send your child to school, this is your decision. Just send a note with your child the next day explaining that in your best judgment, you did not feel it was safe to send your child to school.
If you have any questions regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to contact the central office at 207-365-4272.
Respectfully,
Marie Robinson
Superintendent of Schools