I know you are concerned about the safety of your children during bad weather conditions. This information will help you understand how the schools will deal with severe weather conditions or other emergencies.

Tom Woody
Superintendent of Schools

WHEN SCHOOL IS NOT IN SESSION an announcement of cancellation of classes or a two hour delay in starting time will be made at 6:00 a.m. on KVWC Radio Station (1490 am) and on Wichita Falls TV stations, if possible. Roads in some parts of the county may be more dangerous than others. If you feel your child's health or safety would be endangered by school attendance during severe weather, then your child's absence will be excused. If during the school day early dismissal becomes necessary, an announcement will be made on KVWC radio. If your child will be unable to enter your home or go to another place of shelter, please instruct your child to tell their teacher so they may remain at school until you can pick them up.

THIS IS THE RULE THAT WILL GUIDE THE ACTIONS OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL WHEN EMERGENCY CONDITIONS THREATEN THE SAFETY OF SCHOOL CHILDREN. THE "SAFETY FIRST" RULE MAY CAUSE INCONVENIENCE TO PARENTS, TEACHERS, AND STUDENTS BUT THIS IS A SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR THE WELL-BEING OF OUR SCHOOL CHILDREN.

DURING THREATENING WEATHER, school personnel will be alert for dangerous conditions. Each school is equipped with radios for scanning the National Weather Service, Law Enforcement, and Civil Defense frequencies. School buses are equipped with two-way radios so drivers may be warned of safety hazards.

When sirens have sounded, students will be moved immediately to the safest places in schools as recommended by safety experts. The elementary schools - McCord, Central, and Shive - have specially designed storm shelter areas which are made available by Civil Defense personnel outside of school hours. If students are on buses in the city, the buses will go to the nearest school for shelter. If buses have left the city, drivers are trained to protect students during emergencies.

DURING A TORNADO WATCH or other threatening weather, you can feel secure in knowing that school officials are alert for dangerous conditions, and that every possible action will be taken to safeguard your children. You can help keep the school telephone lines available by not calling the schools. DURING A TORNADO WARNING , when sirens have sounded, seek shelter for yourself. Do not attempt to pick up students at schools. Disaster experts advise the automobiles are among the more dangerous places to be in a storm, and also say that school buildings are safer than many homes.

AFTER THE ALL CLEAR , feel free to pick up students as usual. Buses may run later than normal, depending on the time of day the all-clear is announced. Any special announcements to parents will be made on KVWC Radio Station (1490am or 102.3fm) IF DISASTER STRIKES at or near a school campus, please listen to KVWC radio for instructions, or if that station is disabled, listen to Radio Station KLUR (99.9fm).