How Elgin Schools District Decides to Cancel School Due to Inclement Weather
When a storm is expected in our area overnight, bringing freezing rain, ice or snow, Elgin officials begin around 5 a.m. gathering information in order to make a decision about whether schools should be open or closed. We take several steps to determine if students will be able to arrive at school safely.
First, streets are checked by Elgin’s Transportation staff by driving neighborhood streets, rural roads, and major thoroughfares in our city. They investigate bus stops and school parking lots. They check to see how difficult it will be to stop a bus or car on hills and slopes. Next, temperatures and wind chills to be faced by children waiting for buses or walking to school are considered. Finally, district officials use other information, such as news reports from local stations, phone calls from surrounding areas, and radar views, reports and forecasts via the Internet.
Our primary goal is the safety of our students, staff, and community. We will go to extra measures to ensure the well-being of those involved with our school system.
Cancellation notice is sent out to the television stations (KSWO Channel 7), news outlets (NewsOK.com) and put out through district communications, such as School Messenger calls, emails, and texts, as well as Facebook and Twitter.
Important Information about the School Messenger Program
If you wish to receive messages from EPS School Messenger Program, the school must have your cell phone number and/or email, and you must be the 1st or 2nd contact for a student. The school messenger program will send a call and email. If you wish to also receive text messages, you must opt-in to these by sending a text to 675-87 with a "Y" in the message. You will get a message back stating that you are registered.