When the Rockwood School District experiences inclement weather conditions, safety is the most important consideration. Here are some answers to frequent inclement weather questions.

How is the decision made to cancel school due to inclement weather?

As early as 2:30 a.m. on the morning of a snowfall or ice storm the assistant superintendent of administrative services contacts a group of individuals who drive throughout the district to test the roads. Even if the roads are initially satisfactory, the drivers may make several trips if snow continues to fall, or if the weather continues to deteriorate.

By 5:00 a.m. the superintendent of schools must make a decision about school cancellations so bus drivers and media can be notified. Prior to that time, the drivers keep in contact and give regular updates regarding road conditions. The superintendent considers several factors in making the final decision: weather predictions, highway department preparedness, time of day, wind-chill factor, as well as the driver's reports.

Where can parents find information about school closings?

School closings, or early school dismissal, will be announced on the Rockwood website at www.rockwood.k12.mo.us as soon as the decision is made.

The superintendent will send an AlertNow voice message to Rockwood parents informing them of the decision to cancel classes.

• If the decision is made the night before, the AlertNow message will go out as a non-emergency message that will call the household phone number.
• If the decision to close school is made the morning of the cancellation, or the decision is made to dismiss school early, the AlertNow message will go out as a "411" emergency call to all phone numbers listed for the student.  

Important: The successful delivery of information is dependent upon accurate contact information obtained from school records. If your household and/or emergency contact information changes, please let your school registrar know as soon as possible.
Learn more about AlertNow »

In addition, parents can find accurate information about district school closings on the following radio and television stations:

• KMOX 1120 (AM)
• KTRS 550 (AM)
• KTVI Channel 2/11
• KMOV Channel 4
• KSDK Channel 5

What if bad weather arrives when children are in school?

If severe weather strikes while students are in school, a decision to close school for the remainder of the day may be made. Activating the transportation system due to inclement weather takes time. School principals, First Student and Go-Ahead bus services will be contacted immediately. Transporting students safely will require carefully planned dismissal procedures.

1. Elementary students who walk or ride buses will be dismissed as per the instructions provided by parents for an early inclement dismissal situation.
2. Students will be released as soon as individual First Student and Go-Ahead buses are available at their school.
3. Buses will load students according to the normal dismissal order.
4. All students picked up by parents may leave school as soon as parents arrive.

Will all after-school activities for students be canceled if school is closed?

Typically, activities will be canceled when school has been closed all day or closed early. Please check the district website, or your school's website, for specific information.

What can parents do to help their students and schools prepare?

1. Make sure that the instructions on your inclement weather dismissal form are current.
2. Contact your childcare facility, if necessary, to find out what their procedures are for inclement weather.
3. Review the information you have listed as emergency contacts and make sure that the numbers are updated, either through Infinite Campus or with your building registrar.
4. Make plans ahead of time and communicate them with your children so they understand what to expect during an early school dismissal due to inclement weather.
5. Understand that school closings are for the safety of children throughout the district. While the condition of your neighborhood streets may be fine, other areas of the district may be experiencing harsher weather.