Inclement Weather Procedures
We want to share the process and factors the District uses when determining a weather-related school closing.
The decision to close school due to inclement weather is not easy. We realize it has a significant impact on Wayne-Westland Community Schools students, parents and staff. We know that it is best for students to be in class, but we also know that we can’t control the weather. Our priority is the safety of our students and staff.
Who decides to close school?
The Superintendent decides to close school based on the factors below.
How do we decide to close school?
- Information on current road conditions from our transportation and maintenance staff who monitor the roads throughout the night and into the morning
- Current weather conditions and predicted weather conditions
- Amount of snow and ice accumulation
- Duration and timing of the snow or ice
- Temperature and wind chill (We use a -20 wind chill for a sustained amount of time as a guide). Here is a chart that explains how the windchill factor can cause frostbite when it approaches cold temperatures.
- School building conditions (electricity, heat, water)
- School parking lot and sidewalk conditions
- Operation of buses and ability to travel on snow-covered or icy roads
- Consultation with neighboring school districts and weather officials
When do we decide to close school?
When possible, we determine a school closing the evening prior. But most of the time, we have to wait until the early morning hours due to changing weather conditions or giving our maintenance staff time to clear parking lots and sidewalks, and the time our transportation staff need to travel the routes safely.
The notifications go out as soon as we decide to close school to give families as much notice as possible. We will NOT call after 11 pm or before 5 am.
How are parents and staff notified of a school closing?
We use various communications methods to notify the community of a school closing. As soon as the decision is made to close school we:
- Send an automated or Robocall to parents and staff
- Email parents and staff via the school principal
- Post on the District website (wwcsd.net)
- Post on the District’s social media accounts: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
- Post on local news stations including Channel 2, 4, 7 and WJR and WWJ radio
Please ensure that your contact information is current on your child’s MiStar account through Parent Connection.
Will snow days be virtual learning days?
Due to the last-minute nature of these calls, it would be difficult for our staff to transition to virtual instruction from a remote location. Therefore, snow days will remain the same as in years past and be non-instruction days for all WWCS students. If there are a significant number of inclement weather days, that could be revisited.
Are there snow days built into the calendar?
The district does not build snow days into the calendar, but Michigan allows up to six days for emergency closings.
Parent Decision
Remember, the District will make the best decision for most of our students.
While we do our best to monitor conditions throughout the cities in our district boundaries- Wayne, Westland, Inkster, Canton, and Romulus, we cannot evaluate every road or side street. Parents always have the right to decide in the best interest of their children and families. If you feel that it is not safe for your child to attend school, you always have the option to keep your child at home.
How you can help
Make sure you have an up-to-date phone number and email on file in Parent Connection. Don’t rely on one communication method to get your school closing notifications. Check social media, our website, the news channels and email.
Does school closing include after-school and evening activities, including sports?
Yes, school closings will include afternoon and evening activities.
Is Champions Before and After School open during snow days?
Champions Before and After School will be open to all registered families at their Stevenson Middle School site.