Fulton Focus
For the parents and patrons of the Fulton School District
January 18, 2019
A message from the Superintendent
Dear Parents and Patrons,
Wow, it's been quite a week. As you know the weather has been challenging since last Friday (1/11/2019). As I reflect on the week, perhaps sharing transportation information and our thought process might be beneficial.
Transportation is a significant factor in District operations. K-12 enrollment is 2,350 students of which 1,467 (62.4%) are transportation eligible twice a day. FPS runs 28 bus routes traveling 685 miles each day. Along with the traditional K-12 routes, there are two daily vocational school routes, three daily routes for Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention, four daily routes for special needs, and a daily shuttle between buildings supporting the A+ program. Regular routes are equally divided between in-town paved roads and county non-paved roads. The recent mega-snow has caused all routes to be challenging. City of Fulton crews worked hard to clear roadways; however, we are still concerned for student safety due to snow being piled at bus stops and on sidewalks requiring students to either wait in deep snow or on the street. County crews continue to clear two lanes on all blacktop and gravel roads. With the snow depth, it is critical that two traffic lanes are available for use. The next few days we expect freezing temperatures to affect all roadways.
The real issue is the process used to determine school cancelation. Our preference is to announce a decision the evening prior to a cancelation so you have the most time to make child-care arrangements if needed. Irrespective of when the decision is made the process stays the same.
***Numerous forecasts are monitored prior to and during a weather-related event. The National Weather Service Situation Report issued daily has been the most reliable in regard to projected activity, intensity, and timing. This information is generally confirmed by local weather forecasters, public weather websites, Callaway County Emergency Management, and state and county road departments.
***Upon anticipation of inclement weather, the Director of Transportation and Superintendent drive district routes to assess conditions. The Director of Buildings and Grounds is simultaneously assessing the Districts ability to clear parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks.
***All of this information is evaluated to make the decision. If the decision to cancel school is made in the morning, it must be complete by 5:45 a.m.; otherwise, we attempt to cancel the night before in time for the late television newscast. Obviously, in multi-day events, a cancelation decision will be attempted the day prior if at all possible.
The District utilizes snow routes when road conditions do not allow for safe bus turn around locations. However, should a storm incident last several days we deploy District staff to clear bus turnarounds and/or pick-up locations to ensure the safety of your student(s).
Our objective is to keep your student(s) safe at all times. Your patience in adjusting family schedules to inclement weather cancelations is very much appreciated.
Questions regarding FPS may be addressed to me at any time. You may use the ‘Ask the Superintendent’ button on the website or call.
Thank you for sending great student(s) to work with.
Sincerely,
Jacque A. Cowherd, Ed.D.
Superintendent
FPS School Board
Board members:
Leah Baker
Andy Bonderer
Todd Gray
Matt Gowin
Verdis Lee, Sr.
Emily Omohundro
Jackie Pritchett
Upcoming Events
Courtwarming Movie Night
No School--January 21, 2019
Important Dates
Monday, January 21--No School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 28 - Tuesday, January 29--No School, Teacher PD Days
Friday, February 8 - FHS Winter Courtwarming vs Kirksville
Wednesday, February 13 - Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. FHS Library
Friday, February 15 - No School, Teacher PD Day
Monday, February 18 - No School, President's Day
Wednesday, March 13 - Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. FHS Library
Monday, March 25 - Friday, March 29--No School, Spring Break
Monday, April 1 - Classes Resume
Wednesday, April 10 - Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. FHS Library
Friday, April 19 - No School, Mid-Quarter Break
Wednesday, May 8 - Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. FHS Library
Wednesday, May 15 - Last Day of School, Dismiss 2 hours early
Wednesday, June 12 - Board of Education Meeting 7 p.m. FHS Library
Fulton Public Schools
Email: ksnethen@fulton58.org
Website: www.fulton58.org
Location: 2 Hornet Drive, Fulton, MO
Phone: 573-590-8000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPSHornets
Twitter: @FPSHornets