Student safety is Hemlock Public School District’s top priority. As winter approaches, the district is outlining how decisions are made to close or delay school due to weather—so families know what to expect and how to plan.
How the Decision Gets Made
Daily monitoring: Our Transportation Coordinator monitors weather and road conditions every day.
Early morning checks: From 4:00–4:30 a.m., the Coordinator—often in consultation with nearby districts—assesses road conditions across town and the rural routes.
Recommendation window: Between 4:30–5:00 a.m., the Coordinator provides a recommendation to the Superintendent to close or delay school.
Evening calls (when predictable): If severe cold or heavy snow is clearly forecast before 4:30 a.m., a recommendation may be made the night before.
Public notice: Once a closure/delay is approved, media and families are notified by 5:30 a.m. (except in extreme conditions).
Weather can vary across our district. We consider bus safety on all routes, parking lot conditions, wind chill, temperature, and the safety of students who walk.
How You’ll Be Notified
District website: hemlockps.com
Apptegy/Thrillshare: Calls, texts, and emails to parents/guardians
Local media (radio): WCFX, WHNN, WIOG, WSGW, WGER, WXQL, WCEN, WSAM, WKCQ, WEEG
Local media (TV): WJRT-TV 12, WEYI-TV 25, WNEM-TV 5, WSMH-Fox 66
Important: In rare cases, a delay may be updated to closed. Please continue to monitor official channels.
What Triggers a Closing or Delay?
Hazardous roads: If buses cannot safely navigate city and county routes, we close or delay.
Wind chill: As a general rule, a sustained (2 hours or more) wind chill of –20°F or colder may prompt a delay or closure. Morning conditions and forecast duration are both considered.
Fog: Because fog varies widely, a delay decision is made by 5:30 a.m.
Tornado warning (during routes): Drivers are trained to seek the nearest safe school site or return to buildings under Transportation direction.
The district uses NOAA as the official weather source.
One- and Two-Hour Delays
Bus pick-up is one or two hours later than normal.
No breakfast is served on two-hour delay days.
A delay can change to a closure if conditions worsen.
If We Close for the Day
All after-school activities and Latch Key are canceled.
High school athletics are considered case-by-case based on evolving conditions.
Infant & Child Care remains open unless otherwise announced.
Early Dismissal (Rare)
If weather deteriorates during the day, we may dismiss early. The same notification channels will be used. Families should have backup childcare plans in place each winter.
Outdoor Recess Guidelines
Following National Nurses’ Association guidance (considering wind chill):
Feels like 25°F and above: Outdoor recess
Feels like 16–25°F: Abbreviated outdoor recess (5–10 minutes)
Feels like 15°F or below: Inside recess
How Families Can Prepare
Plan ahead: Arrange backup childcare for unexpected closings or early dismissals.
Dress warm: Ensure students wear winter-appropriate clothing for bus stops and walking.
Keep contacts current: Update phone/email in School Messenger to receive alerts.
Check often: On delay mornings, continue to monitor updates in case the status changes.
For more information and updates, visit hemlockps.com.