CLOSING OR DELAYING SCHOOL

In the event of inclement weather, the decision to open, delay start, or close schools will be made no later than 6 a.m. on the day in question and communicated in several ways:

1. Automated phone calls, texts, and emails to parents and staff
2. ROISD app notification
3. District Facebook and Twitter
4. District website
5. Local media (please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all media postings, so refer to www.redoakisd.org)

What are the factors in determining the closing of school or a delayed start due to inclement weather? Safety is the most important consideration. This is determined if buses can run and our parents and young drivers can make it to school safely when exercising reasonable caution. If one part of our district is icy and cannot be traveled safely, we make the call to delay or cancel even though another part of the district may not have the same dangerous road conditions. Regarding a delayed start, we still must start the bus routes approximately two hours before the delayed start time.

Does it matter what the schools around Red Oak are doing? As we all know, Texas weather can be patchy and affect many areas differently. Although we check with surrounding ISDs, we make this decision based on what is happening in ROISD. 

Who makes the decision? The decision-making process to close schools begins around 4 a.m. when school personnel drive the streets to check road conditions. Personnel consult with local emergency management officials about forecasts, road conditions, and possible utility issues. The findings are reported to the superintendent of schools who makes the final decision to open or close schools.

What is the procedure if a decision is made during the school day? If inclement weather occurs during a school day, Red Oak ISD will communicate with parents in the following ways:

1. Automated phone calls, texts, and emails to parents and staff
2. ROISD app notification
3. District Facebook and Twitter
4. District website
5. Local media (please note that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of all media postings, so refer to District website)

How is the community notified? Notices will be posted on the district website and social media channels. In addition, we use an automated system to contact all staff and students and send a notification through the ROISD app. This is why it is VERY important that the ISD has your most current contact information (home phone, cell). If you have changed any of these and have not contacted your school, you may not receive ISD notifications. Be sure to download the app and activate the notifications [ROISD Mobile App site]. 

TORNADO WARNING DURING SCHOOL HOURS

At the urging of local emergency officials, ROISD has implemented the following tornado warning protocol: During a tornado warning, students and staff will remain in school in pre-designated shelter areas. The main office will be closed until the warning has been passed. Students will not be released, and staff will be in duck and cover protocol with students for the safety of all students and staff. Local fire officials have indicated that staff should “NOT” be in office areas and buildings should not be open to the public during TORNADO WARNINGS.

Parents are requested not to come to school for their children during tornado or severe thunderstorm watches or warnings, as offices are closed.

In the event of a TORNADO WARNING before the start of school, school will be canceled or delayed as appropriate. If inclement weather arises while buses are en route to or from school, District Safety Procedure calls for buses to divert to the nearest campus for shelter. For more information on the inclement weather protocol, you may pick up a copy of the protocol from your child’s school.

Thank you for your support of our efforts to keep our children safe.