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One thing is for certain in the Northeast, and that is we can always count on snow storms to slow down our days. When the snow starts falling, kids start hoping for a snow day. But for working parents and even stay-at-home parents, it can quickly turn stressful.
Make a plan for snow days BEFORE a snowy day. Winter in Upstate New York almost always includes snow days. You can expect snow days throughout winter months in Upstate New York.
Our transportation team, superintendents office and regional DOT officials help to determine snow day calls, usually very early in the morning. For big storms, forecasted early by weather officials, we can (rarely) make school decisions the night before. Otherwise, families can expect to learn about snow days bright and early in the morning.
In the event of an emergency closing or delay, the Elmira City School District will communicate with families via:
-Text
-Email
-Social media
-District website
-Local news stations
Opt-in for Text Messaging
If the District has a SMS text phone number for you on file AND you would like to opt-in to text messaging, please text Y to 67587. The text messages will come from SchoolMessenger, the system we use for phone calls and emails to families. Text messages will only be sent to cell phone numbers whose recipients have agreed to receive them. The system is set up for District contacts only. You can easily reply N if you do not wish to receive these messages. Standard rates apply.
Track the Bus with Zonar MyView
Weather can also slow down bus routes or delay transportation on colder mornings. The Zonar My View Bus Tracker app provides families direct access to the status of their student's school bus. Families and students can see where their bus is on the route and set email and push notifications that alert families when the bus is a specific distance from their stop. Learn more here:
https://www.elmiracityschools.com/district/department/transportation/my_view_zonar_bus_tracker
What is Your Family's Plan for Winter-Related Closures and Delays?
Who will stay home with young children? This issue is better to discuss ahead of time rather than stressing in the early morning hours. We have published some helpful tips here for you to consider in your planning:
https://www.elmiracityschools.com/news/what_s_new/plan_for_a_snow_day__before_a_snow_day
Sick Day Guidelines from the Health Office
Winter often brings germs and sickness. Sometimes it's hard for families to decide whether to send children to school when they wake up with early symptoms of an illness or complaints that they do not feel well.
Our Health Services office posted guidelines as to when to keep your student home from school and when it’s safe to return:
https://www.elmiracityschools.com/district/department/health_services/sick_day_guidelines_for_families