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Inclement Weather

Safety is our #1 priority

In the event of inclement weather, the superintendent may make a decision to alter the school day to minimize travel risks for students and staff.

The superintendent may (1) delay the start of school* (usually by two hours); (2) dismiss school early; (3) close school; or (4) declare a Flexible Instructional Day (see below). Decisions are made as early as possible to provide adequate time for notification. Decisions are based on the current and anticipated forecast, as well as sidewalk and road conditions. Parents and guardians should plan to provide a place for children to stay when the district closes, dismisses students early, or conducts a Flexible Instructional Day due to weather conditions.

*Note: When a two-hour delay occurs on a scheduled early-dismissal day, schools will dismiss at their regular times (2:45 p.m. for middle, 3 p.m. for high, and 3:15 p.m. for elementary). The early dismissal is canceled.

Inclement Weather; School ClosedFlexible Instructional Days (FID)
DefinitionNo School. Severe weather makes travel to or from school dangerous.At home learning. School(s) closed due to hazardous conditions, or other emergency.
Does this count as a school day?NoYes
Is there instruction this day?NoYes, a modified school day. Students are required to attend online using district-provided lessons in Seesaw (K–5) or Schoology (6–12).
Start timeNo schoolSecondary lessons must be posted by 9 a.m.; Elementary by 10 a.m.
Other InformationSchools may be closed one to two days.

Days must be made up.		Most likely to occur when hazardous conditions persist after 1-2 days of school closure and/or after the district used all available make up days in the student calendar.

We make every effort to notify families and staff in advance via text message, email, social media, website and local news.

Find closing announcements here

The school closings or delays will be announced on our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, and on the following radio and television stations:

Television

Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs)

Flexible Instruction Days (FIDs) may be used in place of a school day that has been cancelled because of inclement weather or another emergency situation. The PA Department of Education authorized the School District of Lancaster to use up to five FIDs per academic year.

What is a Flexible Instructional Day?

A Flexible Instructional Day is used as an alternate approach to the delivery of instruction if a circumstance arises that prevents instruction from occurring in a customary manner.

When does a Flexible Instructional Day begin for students?

A Flexible Instructional Day begins at 9 a.m. for secondary students and 10 a.m. for elementary students. Teachers post lessons by these times in Schoology (Grades 6–12) and Seesaw (Grades K–5). Students will access Microsoft Teams links for virtual office hours through these platforms. The delayed start allows teachers time to ensure all materials are accessible and ready for students.

What is the role of the teacher on a Flexible Instructional Day?

Teachers will ensure that all lessons are posted by 9 a.m. for secondary students in Schoology (Grades 6–12) and 10 a.m. for elementary students on Seesaw (Grades K–5). They will hold two 30-minute virtual office hours, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, and share these times with families in advance. Teachers will also remain available online during their contracted workday to support students through district-approved platforms. They will monitor engagement and take attendance based on any documented attempt to complete work, whether through digital interaction or packet return. In addition, teachers provide timely feedback and grade assignments using the district-wide rubric based on effort.

What are the responsibilities of the student on a Flexible Instructional Day?

Students are expected to complete the assignments provided in Seesaw (Grades K–5) or Schoology (Grades 6–12). Virtual office hours are available for support, but students are not required to attend. Assignments must be submitted electronically for students with internet access. For students without connectivity, paper packets will be sent home in advance and must be returned when school resumes. Submission of work, whether digital or on paper, serves as proof of attendance and engagement.

How will attendance be tracked?

Attendance will be recorded based on any documented attempt to complete work. For students using Seesaw or Schoology, submitting an assignment or interacting with the platform counts as attendance. For students using paper packets, returning a completed or partially completed packet when school resumes counts as attendance.

If SDoL calls for a Flexible Instruction Day (FID), how will I know?

Students and Parents/Guardians will be informed of a FID through the District’s mass notification system in the same way that school closings and delays are announced. Notifications will be distributed via e-mail, the district app, social media and the district’s website.

Please note, some local news outlets may not be able to accommodate the announcement of a Flexible Instructional Day, because it is an uncommon message. Please rely on SDoL communications for the most accurate information.

Will every school day that is cancelled because of inclement weather be considered a Flexible Instruction Day?

Not necessarily. The superintendent will determine if the day will be a flexible instructional day or use another available option, like a snow day.