School Closings Guide
The Surry County School Board plans to have school on a regular schedule every day that the roads are judged to be safe for bus travel. During hazardous weather conditions, the Superintendent will determine whether school will be delayed, cancelled, or dismissed early.
The Superintendent determines if school is delayed or closed with assistance from the Inclement Weather Team, the Surry County Department of Transportation (DOT), the Surry County Sheriff’s Department, 911 Communications, National Weather Service, and other local agencies. The Inclement Weather Team begin road checks throughout the county by 4:00 a.m. Every effort is made to arrive at a decision by 6:00 a.m. in order to notify the public.
For school delays and closings check:
Surry County Schools’ website
Automated phone message system
Surry County Schools’ Facebook page and Twitter
Surry County Schools’ mobile app
Local Radio Stations: WPAQ, WSYD, WIFM, WTQR/WMAG
Regional Television Stations: WXII, WGHP, WFMY, WXLV, Spectrum Cable News Channel 14
The superintendent may develop more limited bus routes for hazardous weather conditions in order to operate only on roads that are safe. To the extent possible, parents will be notified in advance of the bus routes which will be used in hazardous conditions. Those routes will be on file in the superintendent’s office. (Refer to SCSB Policy Code 6321)
If no announcement of delay or cancellation of school is heard, you should assume school is scheduled as normal.
Breakfast will not be served when school is delayed.
In some cases, school may have to be cancelled after students arrive. An automated phone message will be sent to all contact numbers for each individual student. Early release information will also be communicated through local radio stations/regional television stations and the Surry County Schools’ webpage, Facebook page, Twitter, and mobile app.
Parents need to make arrangements beforehand concerning where a child is to go if school is dismissed early. Surry County Schools’ Before/After School Child Care will also be closed when school is delayed or closes early.
Because telephone lines are crucial at such times, parents and students are urged NOT to call schools, the school system central office, or stations to ask about school closings or delays. As soon as the decision is made, school system officials must get through to the media so it can be announced as quickly as possible. Calling the schools and the central administrative office only causes problems during an already difficult time. Make sure your child knows your “emergency bad weather plan." In case of early dismissals due to inclement weather, schools are unable to make individual parent calls.
