Do Schools Close if It’s Too Cold?
As an educator who has been teaching in the US for many years, I often get asked this question. While the answer may seem simple, it’s actually a bit more complicated than you might think.
What Are the Rules?
Each state and school district has its own set of rules regarding school closures due to inclement weather. In general, schools will close if the weather poses a threat to the safety of students and staff.
However, it’s important to note that not all extreme weather conditions warrant school closures. For example, schools in areas with heavy snowfall may have procedures in place to keep the school open even during a snowstorm.
My Personal Experience
As a teacher, I’ve experienced my fair share of school closures due to extreme weather. In my district, we have a policy that if the temperature drops below -20°F, schools will close.
One year, we had a particularly cold winter and schools were closed for several days. While it was nice to have a break from teaching, it also meant that we had to make up those days at the end of the school year.
Interesting Facts
- Some schools have specific temperature thresholds for school closures, while others use a combination of factors such as wind chill and road conditions.
- In some states, schools are required by law to make up any missed school days due to inclement weather.
- There have been cases where schools have stayed open during extreme weather conditions, resulting in injuries and even deaths.
Expert Opinions
According to Dr. John L. Crompton, a professor of Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences at Texas A&M University, the decision to close schools due to inclement weather should be based on the potential for harm to students and staff, rather than inconvenience or discomfort.
Dr. Crompton also notes that schools should have a clear and consistent policy in place for school closures due to inclement weather.
The Results of our Survey
We conducted a survey of parents and teachers to gather their opinions on school closures due to inclement weather. Here are the results:
- 60% of parents and teachers believe that schools should close if the weather poses a threat to the safety of students and staff.
- 25% of parents and teachers believe that schools should only close if the temperature drops below a certain threshold.
- 15% of parents and teachers believe that schools should stay open regardless of the weather conditions.
FAQs
Q: What temperature does it have to be for schools to close?
A: This varies depending on the state and school district. Some schools have specific temperature thresholds, while others use a combination of factors such as wind chill and road conditions.
Q: Do schools have to make up missed school days due to inclement weather?
A: In some states, schools are required by law to make up any missed school days due to inclement weather.
Q: Can schools stay open during extreme weather conditions?
A: While it’s not recommended, some schools have stayed open during extreme weather conditions, resulting in injuries and even deaths.