A Message from Supt. Matt Robbins

The decision to close or delay opening of schools is always made with careful consideration of weather and road conditions, with the safety and well-being of our students always the most important guiding factor.

Throughout the winter, we monitor National Weather Service updates and remain in close communication with local agencies to ensure that we have the most accurate, reliable and up-to-date information possible. In addition, DCPS staff members travel roads throughout Daviess County during periods of inclement weather to assess transportation conditions that may affect our students, staff and families. We also monitor absentee rates during flu season or other health epidemics.

We are looking ahead at two possible scenarios from the National Weather Service: A Wind Chill Advisory and a Wind Chill Warning. The “wind chill factor” is calculated based on air temperatures and wind, resulting in a “feels like” temperature that may affect the rate of heat loss from the body.

NWS definitions for each are:

Wind Chill Advisory – Wind chills are between 10 and 24 degrees below zero.

Wind Chill Warning – Wind chills are 25 degrees or more below zero.

When or if the National Weather Service issues a Wind Chill Warning for Daviess County that would be in effect during the time students would be coming to school, DCPS schools will be CLOSED for that day.

We anticipate making those decisions that morning as it would be difficult to predict wind chill status the night before.

If there is a Wind Chill Advisory in effect, DCPS schools will be open, unless there were unforeseen operational problems with our bus fleet or mechanical problems affecting heat in our buildings.

Decisions will be made as early as possible as we understand the challenges families face when finding supervision for children. Messages will be communicated through the Infinite Campus Messenger system; please ensure that your family’s contact information remains updated in the IC Parent Portal. School closings and delays are also posted on our district website and Facebook page, and communicated through local media outlets.

Safety is the most important factor in guiding our decisions to open or delay schools. DCPS schools are safe, warm places where students receive nutritious meals, in addition to a quality education, so we will always do our best to be sure doors are open when weather and road conditions permit.

When school is in session during the winter, please be sure your child is dressed appropriately, especially if s/he will be waiting outdoors for a school bus. If you need assistance with appropriate clothing, please contact your school’s Family Resource / Youth Services Center as we want to help you.

We also respect the fact that you, as a parent or guardian, may make a decision that you believe is in the best interest of your child. Please contact your school’s attendance office to report any absence. Attendance absences during periods of extreme weather will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

I hope this communication is helpful in your understanding of how the DCPS district makes decisions regarding school closings or delays. We appreciate your support, and invite you to contact us with any questions or comments. Call 270-852-7000 or write to contact@dcps.org 

Thank you –

Supt. Matt Robbins