Midway R-I School District

Winter weather is always a concern when transporting and caring for your children. It is important to review procedures for school closures, delays in opening of school, or early release due to snow and inclement weather.

 

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) allows schools to use AMI (Alternative Method of Instruction) on snow days. This way those days do not have to be made up later. AMI can either be virtual, project, or packet-based instruction. Elementary students will be packet-based, as students are not provided a computer to take home. AMI is a practical approach when the threat of inclement weather is foreseen, be it for one day or multiple.  If a student does not complete or participate with the AMI lesson, the student will be marked as absent for that day or class period.

 

The Midway R-I School District may delay the opening of school by two hours when it appears conditions might improve. The decision to close school or to delay the opening of school by two hours will be made by 6:00 a.m. to allow time for the media to broadcast this decision prior to most students preparing for the school day. When school is delayed by two hours, Midway will begin at 10:00 a.m.

 

Local Kansas City TV stations (4, 5, 9, and 41) will be notified by the school district of any delay, early dismissal, or cancellation of school. We still use our automated calling and texting system for all inclement weather notices, as well as Facebook and the district website. Please check multiple sources for school district notifications when the weather is questionable.

 

Due to the safety of our buses and students being out on the roads, it is unlikely school will be canceled once classes are in session. However, when conditions dictate an early release, classes will be dismissed. The automated calling and texting system will notify parents of any early school dismissal. It is also a good idea to listen to the television stations any time weather conditions are changing or in question. The district website will carry early school dismissal information as soon as decisions are made.

 

It is very important that parents have plans for younger children if school is dismissed early. In the event a parent is not or cannot be home, arrangements should be made for the child to stay with a friend or neighbor. Families should insist their children dress for protection against prolonged exposure to the weather as a safety precaution.

 

The decision to hold school or not to hold school is always a difficult one. Every effort will be made to consider the safety of the students, the safety of the faculty, and the convenience of families when making such decisions. Your cooperation and assistance is appreciated. It is always the parent or guardian’s decision to determine the safety of their child during inclement weather. If you have questions regarding school dismissal, call the building in which your child attends or the district office at 250-2994.