Dear Parents, Students, and Staff:
Winter weather is on the horizon, and winter driving can be extremely hazardous due to poor road conditions or reduced visibility from heavy or blowing snow. As a result, our District wants to communicate winter weather preparedness information to you, your children, and our staff.
The safety of our students, staff, and patrons is a top priority. The decision of whether to hold school, have a late start, or an early dismissal is one that our District takes very seriously. Many factors go into that decision—the amount of snowfall and sleet received; the conditions of the roads, including snowpack, icing, and drifting; winds and wind chill; visibility; and weather forecasts. If we go with a two-hour late start, it gives the snowplows a chance to open roads in the morning and allows us further time to assess the road and weather conditions. Moreover, it allows our bus drivers to drive in the daylight rather than in the dark.
I know that a late start, early dismissal, and/or no school can create a hardship for parents and their work schedules. If possible, we try to make a decision regarding school the night before, but that is not always feasible. If our District needs to call off school, start late, or release students early due to inclement weather, we will utilize our Alert Parent Notification System. If you have updates to your cell, home, or work phone numbers, please contact your child’s school office and speak to one of our admin assistants about making the necessary changes.
Most of the time, we have had very good luck with our Alert Parent Notification System, but there are times, due to the magnitude of calls being sent out, that calls may be delayed. Please make sure that you rely on other methods too, as we also post weather-related announcements on the Sioux Falls television stations, as well as on our school Facebook (@BSDWatchdogs), X/Twitter account (@BeresfordSchool), and live feed on our district webpage (www.beresford.k12.sd.us). Of course, as a parent, you always have the option to decide whether to send your children to school or pick them up due to the weather and/or road conditions. We thank you for your cooperation and appreciate the arrangements that you make for your children during weather-related emergencies and situations.
Please plan with your children. It is extremely important for you as parents to discuss with your children what to do regarding adequate winter weather apparel and emergency plans. Warm winter clothes, such as coats, gloves, stocking hats, and footwear, are essential attire to wear to and from school, as well as on school bus trips in case a bus becomes stranded. If your child drives to school, please express to them the importance of taking their time and driving slowly in the event of fog, ice, or snow. If the weather causes them to be late, they will not be counted as tardy. It is better to err on the side of caution and be safe.
If we need to call off school during school hours, please rehearse with your children the plans they should have in place in the event you may not be home. Please let them know where you have a key to get into the house in case it is locked. Also, lining up an alternate location for your child to go to in case you are not home is a necessary plan to make.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact my office.
Sincerely,
/s/ Dustin Degen, Superintendent