We recognize that the decision to open or close schools in bad weather has a great impact on our families. We also understand that our students are better served academically and socially by being in school. But as always, our top priority is the safety of our students.

Where can I find information about Southern York County School District school closings or delays?
There are several places to find this information:

• School District website:  www.sycsd.org
• A phone call and email will be sent via our School Messenger emergency contact system.
• Call 717-235-4811 and listen to a message posted on our phone system.
• TV/Radio: local radio and television stations, including WPMT Fox 43, WGAL-TV NBC 8, WHTM ABC 27, WBAL-TV, WBAL-1090 AM, WSOX-96.1 FM, WIYY-FM (98 Rock), WSBA-910 AM, and WARM-103.

How does Southern York County School District decide whether to close or delay the opening of schools for inclement weather?

• As early as 4:00 a.m. on a school day, school transportation personnel patrol school district roads, bus stops, known problem areas, and report on road conditions. In addition, reports are collected and considered from police, local municipalities, and other local school districts.
• We receive updates from weather information sources about current weather conditions and forecasted conditions, including temperature and wind chill.
• An announcement will be made by 6:00 a.m. to delay or close school in order for transportation and personnel to be in place. 

What types of inlcement weather days does Southern York County School District consdier during adverse weather conditions?

• Traditional “Inclement Weather Day”: In extreme weather conditions, the District may still call an inclement weather day in which no in-person or remote instruction will occur.  

• Remote Learning Day: A remote learning day will be called when adverse weather conditions exist that make travel to and from school unsafe. Students will not physically report to school. Instead, all students will participate in a remote learning day. The learning day will include asynchronous work for students. Specific details about schedules for the day will be communicated by your child’s principal and/or teacher. We would not have to make up this day during the school year or adjust the Board-approved District calendar.  

• Delayed Start: Delayed starts will be called when what appears to be temporary adverse weather conditions exist. Students will still physically report to school, based on the announced delayed schedule. Specific details about schedules for the day will be communicated by your child’s principal and/or teacher. 

What other factors are at work when inclement weather threatens?
The Southern York County School District school bus transportation system is a massive operation. In a district of 66 square miles, a total of 43 vehicles transport approximately 3,000 students to various District and non-public schools. On each school day, these vehicles travel over 2,600 miles. The most severe conditions within our school district are used as the basis for the decision-making criteria. 

As always, please use your best judgment of local conditions if you feel it is unsafe to send your child to school.