KNPS Inclement Weather Information
November 2022
Dear Knob Noster Families and Staff:
The leaves have fallen and cold weather has arrived! As you are likely aware, snow is in our weather forecast which means it is time to share the district's annual reminder about inclement weather information as it relates to school closings.
One of the challenging decisions that faces a superintendent each year is making the decision to cancel school for the day, dismiss school early, or not call off school during inclement weather or other situations which may impact school safety. The decision involves consideration of multiple issues, but, in the final analysis, it all comes down to a subjective (albeit informed) judgement call.
When the decision is made, the Knob Noster School District offers a variety of ways to learn about schools closings. The district will communicate in the following ways:
- A recorded telephone call will go to all students' families as well as staff members via a service known as SchoolMessenger. Families are encouraged to make sure their phone numbers are accurate and to notify their children's school office if there are changes in these numbers.
- Text and email messages are sent via SchoolMessenger. To participate in the text service from our schools, text the word YES to 67587. (If you currently receive texts, no need to do anything.)
- A notification will appear on the Knob Noster Public Schools mobile app. This is a free app you can download in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- School closing announcements are shared via district social media, including Facebook and Twitter. Follow us on Facebook by searching "Knob Noster Schools," and follow us on Twitter by searching "Knob Schools."
- The information is posted on the school district's website, www.knr8.net
- Local media are provided information about school closings. Listen or watch for "Knob Noster School District."
When possible, decisions will be made prior to 10:00 p.m. the night before or by 5:30 a.m. the day of a no-school day. We hope these times will serve to inform you while accommodating your schedules to the extent possible. If you do not receive a text, call or notification, we do encourage you to check the other options. We cannot guarantee your phone service lets the notification through, so having a back-up notification is always a good option. We hope you understand the question, "Do we have school?" cannot and will not be answered individually on social media or via email. We will use the communication channels listed above if and when a decision is made.
In the event of school being dismissed early, the call/text and social media notification will go out as soon as the decision has been made so that you have as much time to plan as possible. As is the case with a No School Day, it is, of course, the parents' and guardians' responsibility to make the necessary arrangements for this change of schedule.
If you as the parent feel it is unsafe to have your child(ren) attend school during inclement weather, please know that decision continues to be yours...one the school district will respect. However, all absences will be recorded. Only verified weather-related absences (areas where our bus routes have been canceled) will be treated as "excused." This decision (excused/unexcused) will be made by the building principal.
Hopefully those students who regularly take the bus to school will continue to do so during poor weather, especially since it is one of the safest ways of traveling to and from school. Likewise, if you transport your child to and from school, it will be helpful to maintain that routine to ensure the day operates as normal, to the extent possible.
If you have any questions, please contact your child's principal or myself. We will be happy to discuss this inclement weather plan with you. Thank you for your partnership!
Sincerely,
Jerrod Wheeler, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Text Messaging Tips
Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in the school district's SMS text messaging service to receive notifications of school closings and other school message alerts. Opt-in by texting the word YES to the short code number 67587.
Please note that all text messages from our individual schools and the school district will always have the prepended text, "KN Schools:" at the beginning of the text message. This is especially important for families who may have children attending or family members working in neighboring school districts also using the SchoolMessenger mass notifications vendor. Many school districts in the area and across the country have the same short code, 67587, when sending text messages.
If your phone number exists in another school information system who also has the 67587 short code, you will receive text messages from the same number for both school systems. We want to alleviate any confusion that could occur when those text alerts come through for holiday breaks, school closings, etc. Always look for "KN Schools:" at the beginning of the text to confirm that it is from Knob Noster Public Schools!
Upcoming Scheduled School Closings
November 21-25 - Thanksgiving Break
December 19-January 2 - Christmas Break & New Year's Observed
For a printable version of the school year calendar, visit the Knob Noster Public Schools website and scroll to the middle of the page.