School Closing/Weather Emergency
The purpose of this page is to provide you with the information necessary to be prepared for the closing of school due to a weather emergency – namely snow!
Who Is Watching The Weather?
School administrators, the transportation contractors, and local road crews maintain a careful watch of the weather during the snow season. The extent to which snowfall affects the operation of school and bus transportation varies with the amount of snow that accumulates. The time of day snow occurs and the weather conditions after a storm are also factors that must be considered.
What Factors Go Into Making The Decision To Close School?
- Weather forecasts from the National Weather Service and local media.
- Local police information on road conditions
- Information provided by local municipalities and township road crews
- Assessment of school parking and accessibility to buildings
- Time snow starts and/or is predicted to end
- Amount of snow forecasted
- Expected impact on traffic
- Weather conditions expected after the snow
Who Makes The Decision?
The Superintendent is responsible for the final decision. The Superintendent’s decision is based on the information received from the sources noted above.
When Is The Decision Made?
The decision to close school is made as close to 5:30 AM as possible so that we can begin communicating that decision to our community.
Please monitor our official communication portals:
Website: www.fhrangers.org
Facebook: Forest Hills School District
School Messenger: The District’s automated calling system.
Forest Hills APP- Push Notifications
Delayed Opening of School
Weather conditions may be such that delaying the opening of school will be necessary. Notification of a delayed opening will be communicated in the same manner as a school closing. Buses will arrive at stops one or two hours later than usual and school will begin one or two hours later.
1-hour delay
High School: 8:25 AM
Elementary Schools: 9:15 AM
** AM Pre-K will report from 9:45 AM to 11:20 AM.
** PM Pre-K will follow their regular school hours of 12:20 PM to 2:55 PM.
The times listed are approximate, depending on weather and road conditions. Safety is our primary consideration!
2-hour delay
High School: 9:25 AM
Elementary Schools: 10:15 AM
**AM Pre-K does not have school when there is a two-hour delay.
**PM Pre-K will follow their regular school hours of 12:20 PM to 2:55 PM.
The times listed are approximate, depending on weather and road conditions. Safety is our primary consideration!
What Happens If The Weather Becomes Severe During The School Day?
It is possible that snow will begin and accumulate to several inches while students are in school. This may result in the dismissal of students earlier than normal. If there is an early dismissal, all activity buses are cancelled. All after-school and evening activities are cancelled.
What Is the Early Dismissal Schedule?
High School: 11:30 AM
Elementary Schools: 11:55 AM
**AM Pre-K early dismissal hours are from 8:45 AM to 10:45 AM.
**PM Pre-K does not have school on early dismissal days.
The times listed are approximate, depending on weather and road conditions. Safety is our primary consideration!
Virtual Instructional Day
A Virtual Instructional Day (VID) is an alternate form of instruction approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) that may be used in place of a school day canceled due to inclement weather or building emergency. Each VID counts as a regular instructional day toward the 180-day requirement.
Traditional Snow Day
A Virtual Instructional Day will not automatically be used every time weather forces a school closure. The District will continue to rely on traditional “snow days” when appropriate. Decisions will be made based on the specific conditions surrounding the closure—such as power outages or unexpected disruptions that would prevent students and staff from participating in learning at home. Because Virtual Instructional Days require advance planning and preparation, they cannot be called randomly. Students must have their devices and materials with them, and teachers must have lessons ready for virtual delivery to ensure continuity of instruction. For these reasons, the use of a Virtual Instructional Day will be determined thoughtfully and only when the conditions allow for a successful day of learning from home.