Olympia has a unique set of challenges when it comes to winter weather.
Many factors go into making decisions regarding early outs and
cancellations. Some of those factors include current and future
temperatures; current and future winds; current and future road status;
current and future visibility; current and future power outages; current and
future weather patterns; current and future ability for buses to run; current
and future condition of pathways in which students travel, and timing of when
the event occurs. All of these things are considered for the safety of our
students. Constant communication takes place daily during winter months
with area School Superintendents, administrators, maintenance,
transportation, and those that keep our roads and towns accessible for
student travel. In addition to the factors above, two additional resources are
considered when determining whether or not to cancel school: A) the
National Weather Services Wind Chill Chart and B) the National Weather
Services Alert System.
https://www.weather.gov/safety...
In regards to the Wind Chill Chart that is linked above, Olympia will generally
operate school in the light blue territory if none of the other factors above
cause a change in schedule. However, if the winds pick up or temperature
drops beyond the light blue, Olympia will have a change in our student's daily
schedule. In regards to the National Weather System alert system, Olympia
pays very close attention to Advisories and Watches, but if all other factors
do not cause a change in schedule, a Watch or Advisory will not dictate a
change in student attendance schedule. If the National Weather Service
issues a Warning due to extreme cold, a change in the student attendance
schedule will occur.
Although area School Superintendents communicate regarding weather, each
school district has unique challenges which may force them to alter a student
attendance schedule when another district doesn't. Also, because of
weather patterns and the size of our District, there are times when weather is
different in one area of the District than the other. You will also see times
where Bloomington District 87 or Normal Unit 5 (to our East) is out of school,
when Morton, Pekin, and Tremont (to our West) is in school, or Lincoln to our
South is in school.
If Olympia has a change in schedule, a ThrillShare phone call will be sent to
parents between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. Parents will also receive an email and
the information will be posted on the District webpage. The message needs
to be sent at this time because drivers are starting to prepare their buses to
pick students up for school. It also needs to occur this early so parents can
make arrangements due to a change in schedule. If there is a major blizzard
headed our way, then you might receive the message the night before.
Otherwise, expect the morning notification.
I can assure you that there is a large amount of time and effort spent in
driving roads, tracking weather, and discussing next steps, so that the best
decision possible can be made. As a reminder if we do not have school due
to extreme cold or poor road conditions, we have the option of taking an
E-learning day (kids work/login from home) or the option to use a traditional
snow day which would result in us needing to make up the day at the end of
the year. If the conditions are forecasted to improve after our typical morning
commute, we may also call a late start day. If we have a late start day - all
schedules are one hour later. Elementary start time would be 8:45 a.m. and
OHMS start time would be 9:25 a.m.
Thank you for your cooperation, understanding and patience when these
decisions have to be made. Please let us know if you have any questions.