The below message was sent to families on November 17, 2024 at 6:00 PM. If you did not receive the below communication, please reach out to your child's school to ensure your contact information is up to date.
Dear Shawnee Public Schools Families,
As we enter a season where severe weather is likely, we want to ensure that you are informed about our procedures and plans to prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and families.
Weather Monitoring
Shawnee Public Schools district office closely monitors weather conditions and maintains constant communication with site administrators. We utilize reliable sources such as local weather services, emergency alerts, and the national weather station to track severe weather. If severe weather is predicted or occurs, we act promptly to implement safety measures.
School Closures and Delays
In cases where severe weather may impact school operations, we will decide on closures, delayed openings, or early dismissals with safety as the highest priority. Notifications will be shared through the following:
Text alerts, emails, automated phone calls, our school website, and social media.
Timing of Announcements: We aim to notify families as soon as possible regarding closures or delays.
School Attendance During Severe Weather
The decision to remain in session during severe weather is made in collaboration with surrounding districts and based on assessments of the severity of the risk. However, we honor your choice as a parent or guardian to keep your child home if you feel it is necessary. If you choose to keep your child home, please notify the school, and the absence will be recorded as verified.
During School Hours
If severe weather occurs while school is in session, we have protocols in place to ensure everyone’s safety:
Elementary and Middle School students will shelter in designated safe rooms.
High School and Jim Thorpe Academy students will shelter in interior areas such as restrooms or other secure spaces.
During a tornado warning, all sites may shelter in place, either individually or district-wide.
During this time:
All exterior doors will be locked, and no one will be allowed to enter or leave the buildings. Student check-outs cannot be accommodated once a “shelter in place” has been established.
For the safety of all students and staff, during a shelter in place situation, office staff will not be in the office to answer phone calls or monitor the doors.
Communication will be sent via our district communication platform to alert families when students are sheltering in place and when the shelter has been lifted.
Communication During Shelter in Place
Students are asked not to make or receive phone calls during shelter in place to help manage crowding and noise levels. Text messaging is permitted, but service may be unreliable in certain locations. Additionally, staff members are directed not to take or make calls on behalf of students on personal cellular devices.
Our Commitment
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Thank you for your trust and partnership as we navigate the challenges of severe weather.
Sign Up for City of Shawnee Alerts
Shawnee Public Schools will remain diligent in keeping you informed during weather situations. The City of Shawnee’s alert system is also available to you for communication during this time. If you would like to register to receive alerts from the City of Shawnee, you can do so here.
While we cannot control the weather, we are committed to keeping you informed of any safety concerns that may arise. If you have questions about our weather safety practices, please contact your student’s principal or the Shawnee Public Schools district office at (405) 273-0653.
Thank you for being a valued part of Shawnee Public Schools.
Shawnee Public Schools