District News

New service to send messages to parents

 

November, 2010

 

When the snows fly this winter, families need to be ready for an early morning phone message from the superintendent announcing school is closed.

“This winter will be a little bit different when it comes to closings,” Superintendent Richard Rose said.

The district will notify parents using a mass notification and emergency alert service. The new system transmits phone messages, text messages, and e-mail, and will be used to alert parents about school closings, emergencies, sports cancellations, and exam schedules.

On days of inclement weather, the system will automatically dial the primary contact phone numbers of every student and deliver a pre-recorded message at 6:15 a.m. alerting them of school closings.

“It will be a reliable means of communicating important messages to parents. Sometimes, school will be closed, but three hours later, the roads are clear. We can now tell parents we’re going to close schools, but the concert is still on for tonight,” said Mr. Rose.

“Parents will also be able to opt-out of the notification system if they choose.”

Closings and delays will also be posted on the Canajoharie Central School website and on the usual local television stations.

Snow Days:
Who Makes the Call?

Perhaps you’ve sat by the radio after a snow storm wondering if your child’s school is closed. But have you ever asked who makes that final decision?

Do you know how a snow day actually works?

The final call is always up to Superintendent Richard Rose.

Before making a decision, he consults with town highway departments for a report on road conditions. He also networks with other area superintendents to learn what they are considering. And he constantly watches the weather forecast.

In the end, it’s always a question of safety.

The easy call is when the district is in the middle of or at the tail-end of the storm and the roads won’t be cleared for hours. Tougher are the times when the weatherman threatens a coming storm.

“We try to make the decision by 6 a.m.,” Mr. Rose said.