Inclement Weather Plan
When Buford City Schools (BCS) is advised by the National Weather Service of possible inclement weather in the coming hours or days, our BCS team will implement a comprehensive district plan focused on communication and preparedness. Such efforts include but are not limited to bus transportation, extracurricular events, and school building readiness.
WHO IS WATCHING THE WEATHER?
The superintendent and administrative staff carefully monitor weather conditions during seasons of inclement weather.
WHERE DO THEY GET THEIR INFORMATION?
The school district staff communicates with the National Weather Service, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Gwinnett County Police Department, Gwinnett County School District, and other surrounding school districts. The Director of Transportation monitors and tests road conditions on bus routes within our school district and our maintenance departments checks school power conditions. Local and state law enforcement agencies and neighboring school systems are consulted about road conditions. Careful consideration is given to the most dangerous bus routes in the district.
WHAT FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN MAKING THE DECISION TO
CLOSE SCHOOL?
The safety of all Buford City Schools children is the primary concern. Even if it looks clear on your street, dangerous conditions may exist in some other part of the district. In deciding whether the children will be safe, the following factors are considered:
WHO IS WATCHING THE WEATHER?
The superintendent and administrative staff carefully monitor weather conditions during seasons of inclement weather.
WHERE DO THEY GET THEIR INFORMATION?
The school district staff communicates with the National Weather Service, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Gwinnett County Police Department, Gwinnett County School District, and other surrounding school districts. The Director of Transportation monitors and tests road conditions on bus routes within our school district and our maintenance departments checks school power conditions. Local and state law enforcement agencies and neighboring school systems are consulted about road conditions. Careful consideration is given to the most dangerous bus routes in the district.
WHAT FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN MAKING THE DECISION TO
CLOSE SCHOOL?
The safety of all Buford City Schools children is the primary concern. Even if it looks clear on your street, dangerous conditions may exist in some other part of the district. In deciding whether the children will be safe, the following factors are considered:
- Information on road conditions from the director of transportation and
law enforcement agencies, including whether roads are iced or icing; - Time snow or ice starts and the amount;
- Weather predictions;
- Building conditions (e.g., whether we have power and heat);
- Parking lot and sidewalk conditions; and
- Temperature and wind-chill factor.
WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
The superintendent of schools is responsible for making the final decision, based on the above factors and recommendations from the district staff.
WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
The superintendent of schools is responsible for making the final decision, based on the above factors and recommendations from the district staff.
WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
The superintendent tries to make the decision by 5:30 a.m. so that the broadcast media can be notified.
WHAT IF SCHOOL CLOSES DURING THE DAY?
If school closes during the school day all students will be sent home in the usual manner (bus, car rider, etc.) unless other directions are on file with the teacher. It is impossible for the school staff to accept phoned directions during emergency closures. Parents should plan in advance for early school closings. Make sure that the child knows where to go, how to get there and what to do upon arrival. The public will be notified by the same methods listed above.
WHAT IF SCHOOL OPENING IS DELAYED?
If school opening is delayed, please follow the same routine/schedule as normal, but push back the start time by two hours.
ARE THERE INCLEMENT WEATHER DAYS BUILT INTO THE
CALENDAR?
Yes, BCS recovers lost instructional time by utilizing preset days built into the calendar.
WHAT IF SCHOOL CLOSES DURING THE DAY?
If school closes during the school day all students will be sent home in the usual manner (bus, car rider, etc.) unless other directions are on file with the teacher. It is impossible for the school staff to accept phoned directions during emergency closures. Parents should plan in advance for early school closings. Make sure that the child knows where to go, how to get there and what to do upon arrival. The public will be notified by the same methods listed above.
WHAT IF SCHOOL OPENING IS DELAYED?
If school opening is delayed, please follow the same routine/schedule as normal, but push back the start time by two hours.
ARE THERE INCLEMENT WEATHER DAYS BUILT INTO THE
CALENDAR?
Yes, BCS recovers lost instructional time by utilizing preset days built into the calendar.
HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?
BCS will make every effort to over-communicate with you regarding inclement weather and potential school closings. In an effort to best support your student and family, you can expect the following weather-related updates:
1. Email
2. Automated text and phone call message
3. District website – www.bufordcityschools.org
4. Local television and radio broadcasts
Additionally, you can expect frequent updates through social media. Please note that you should verify the information by checking two sources, especially when relying on social media for information. Fake social media accounts with school and/or the district names and logos violate copyright laws but unfortunately are common.
IF THERE IS NO CLOSING MESSAGE ON BCS' WEBSITE, MAIN VOICEMAIL GREETING OR SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS, THEN SCHOOL IS OPEN.
EVENING COMMUNICATION: When we have been advised of inclement
weather for the following day, you can expect an update from BCS by 9:00
p.m. (the night before potential snow/ice). The purpose of this email is to
provide you with our most recent information and timeline regarding possible
school closings.
weather for the following day, you can expect an update from BCS by 9:00
p.m. (the night before potential snow/ice). The purpose of this email is to
provide you with our most recent information and timeline regarding possible
school closings.
MORNING COMMUNICATION: You will receive an email update by 6:00 a.m. on the morning we are expecting possible inclement weather that could result in school closings. In such situations, we will be collaborating with the National Weather Service, Georgia Emergency Management Agency, Gwinnett County Police Department, Gwinnett County School District, and other surrounding school districts. Our goal is simple – make an informed, cautious decision as early as possible so you and your family can plan accordingly.
Please know the safety of our students and your family is our priority. We will always make decisions out of an abundance of caution and, at the same time, communicate with you early and often.