Here at Hastings Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families is our top priority. We understand the need for clear and timely communication when the weather takes a turn for the worse. The district uses the following procedures to provide the latest information on school closures, delays, and cancellations due to inclement weather.
The District uses any or all of the following media to communicate delayed openings, early dismissal, or cancellation of school:
- District website: Information will be displayed on https://hastingspublicschools.org/
- Phone calls, text, and email notifications: We will use the information listed in your child's emergency contact to reach out via Synergy, School Messenger, and/or Remind.
- Mobile App: Download the Hastings Public Schools app for real-time updates and push notifications directly to your phone.
- Local TV news stations
- Social Media
Decision-Making Process:
We understand that school closures can disrupt schedules and cause inconvenience. However, our decision to close or delay schools is made with careful consideration for the safety of everyone in our school community. We take into account factors such as:
Weather forecasts: We monitor weather forecasts closely and consult with local authorities to assess the potential impact of the weather.
Road conditions: We consider the safety of our students and staff who will be traveling to and from school.
Bus routes: We work with our transportation department to determine if buses can safely run on their regular routes.
Impact on learning: We strive to minimize disruptions to the educational process while prioritizing safety.
Special Circumstances:
If storm warnings are issued at or around the time of dismissal, please see the procedures below:
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Thunderstorm Watch or Tornado Watch - Students will be released at regular dismissal.
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Thunderstorm Warning - Students will be released using discretion of direct impact.
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Tornado Warning - In alignment with our Standard Response Protocol (SRP), students and staff would take shelter and not be released until the tornado warning is canceled. Any changes to this plan due to the duration of the tornado warning will be communicated via Synergy, School Messenger, and/or Remind, and the HPS APP.
As the parent/guardian, it is your choice if you wish to pick up your student but you would need to do so by checking into the office and signing them out. Please realize that if we are in a tornado warning and there are signs that we could face a direct impact, there may not be anyone at the door to let you in or to answer a phone as we may have all students and adults in shelter based on the circumstance we are faced with. Please know our first priority will be to keep students and staff members safe. Of course, we would allow parents and guardians to shelter with us as long as we are able to be present at entrances. Again, circumstances could be so dangerous that we are not able to be at entrances to let people in or answer the phones.
What You Can Do:
Stay informed: Regularly check our website, the HPS app, and other communication channels for updates.
Update your contact information: Ensure your phone numbers and email addresses are current in your Synergy account or contact your child's school.
Talk to your child: Discuss your family's plan in case of school closures or delays.
Be patient: We understand that waiting for a decision can be frustrating, but we appreciate your patience as we work to make the best decision for everyone involved.
We are committed to keeping you informed and ensuring the safety of our entire school community during inclement weather. Please don't hesitate to contact your child's school if you have any questions.
Together, we can keep everyone safe and informed!
