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Home / Discover SDoL / Facilities / Inclement Weather

Facilities

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.
Start timeNo schoolSecondary begins at 9 a.m.; elementary begins at 10 a.m. Attendance is taken online.
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. The delayed start allows teachers time to plan their virtual lessons for the day and ensure students have access to all necessary online materials.

Elementary students will log on to Seesaw and secondary students will log on to Schoology to see a Microsoft Teams link to join their virtual class(es).

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

Teachers will ensure that all online lessons are posted in the district’s LMS no later than 9 a.m. for secondary and 10 a.m. for elementary on a Flexible Instructional Day. Teaching will be similar to what students are used to in at home learning.

Teachers will be available online for students from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. In addition to providing instruction, professional staff will also respond to student email and support students using district-approved communication platforms and tools.

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

Students are expected to attend daily, participate in classwork, and submit assignments. Assignments on flexible instructional days must be turned in electronically for students with internet access. For students who do not have connectivity, assignments will be sent home the preceding school day and due immediately upon return to school. Submission of assignments will serve as proof that students engaged in work on the flexible instruction day, which again, is like any other school day.

How will attendance be tracked?

Attendance will be taken on a daily basis by classroom teachers via visual confirmation of attendance online. Students are expected to attend their FID schedule.

We understand there may be extenuating circumstances (such as childcare issues, connectivity issues, etc.) that may prevent a child from being able to attend the live session. Extenuating circumstances must be addressed and approved by the building principal, with students making up the work through approved timelines.

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.