Winter in the Southern Tier can be very challenging. We must decide whether to open or close our schools when severe weather occurs. Please rest assured that this decision is made cautiously and with much thought. Our ultimate concern is the safety of our students, faculty, and staff.
In case of an unscheduled school delay, closing, or early dismissal, our goal is to notify the community efficiently and promptly. We know our decision to close schools in poor weather can be burdensome to families due to childcare and work schedules. We consider canceling school an exception and strongly emphasize keeping our schools open. Students benefit both academically and socially by being in school.
Please take a few minutes to review the school closing procedures:
Emergency Closing Procedures
OA Schools will use the following communication channels to inform parents/guardians, students, staff, and community members of any school closings or delays:
SMS Message: To Parents/Guardians with accurate mobile phone numbers. The
message comes from ‘98900’*
Automated Phone Call: To Parents/Guardians with the correct phone numbers
listed in SchoolTool*
Email: To Parents/Guardians with accurate email addresses listed in SchoolTool*
District App: Anyone can subscribe to Push Notifications on our Mobile App
District Website: www.oacsd.org
District Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/oa.schools/
District X Page: @OAUpdate
Local News: YNN News 10 Now, WICZ-Fox 40, WENY-Elmira, WBNG News 12, WIVT News Channel 34
Radio: Various Local Stations
School Delay Information
One-Hour Delay: Elementary starts at 8:45 am, and Middle/High School starts at 9:45 am
Two-Hour Delay: Elementary starts at 9:45 am, and Middle/High School starts at 10:44 am
Please review the Middle/High School Delay Bell Schedule here: https://5il.co/13zvy. *Note that there is no SOAR Period on a two-hour delay.
Bus stop arrivals will be delayed by the same number of hours. During inclement weather, buses may be delayed past a typical arrival time. Download the MyRideK-12 bus tracking app to see updated arrival times. Get more information here: https://www.oacsd.org/page/transportation
One-Hour Delay: A cold breakfast option will be provided when students arrive.
Two-Hour Delay: No breakfast option will be provided, as students will have lunch.
School Closing
All schools are closed for the day. When schools are closed, it also means that all activities scheduled in the school buildings for that calendar day are canceled unless otherwise noted. Specific announcements will be made if scheduled activities can be held because of improved weather conditions.
Mid-Day School Closing
If the weather changes to adverse conditions, the district may release students early. Parents are urged to develop a plan for situations when their student may be released early. The district will notify families as soon as possible via the communication listed above and through an automated call to all parents with detailed information regarding the early release.
*To update your contact information, log into your SchoolTool Parent Portal Account, select a student, and click the ‘Contact Changes Request’ icon: Submissions are reviewed and approved daily.
In the event of extremely cold temperatures when school is still in session, the district will implement ‘Extreme Cold Bus Stops’ for students who walk to school at OES, OAMS, and OFA. That information can be found here: https://5il.co/142mm.
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out through Let’s Talk! - https://www.oacsd.org/page/lets-talk.