Emergency School Closing Procedures

E-Learning Operations During Weather Closures

Prioritizing Safety and Learning

In the event of inclement weather, all School City of Hobart schools will transition to an Emergency E-Learning Day to ensure the safety of students and staff. All school building, including after-school events and practices, will be closed unless otherwise approved by the Superintendent.

The state of Indiana requires 180 student days. In order to keep our students on track we will move to an E-Learning should we have to call school for inclement weather.

All About E-Learning

Expectations

Instructional Access: Students will access assignments via Canvas
Teacher Availability: Teachers will be available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM through Canvas and GoGuardian for assistance.
Attendance: Participation is mandatory. Students must complete assignments to be marked present.
Instruction Format: Classes will not be taught live; however, teachers will provide guidance and support as needed.

Decision-Making Process

SCOH evaluates multiple factors when determining the need for an Emergency E-Learning Day:

Weather Monitoring: Continuous tracking of forecasts and live radar.
Road Assessments: Early morning evaluations by SCOH and City of Hobart personnel, including police and street departments.
Facility Readiness: Ability to clear sidewalks and parking lots in a timely manner.
Visibility Conditions: Consideration of blowing snow and reduced visibility.

Communication Channels

Families will be notified of Emergency E-Learning Days through:

Automated Calls and Texts: Via School Messenger and ParentSquare.
Emails: Sent through Skyward.
Social Media: Updates on SCOH's Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) pages.
Websites: Prominent notifications on the SCOH homepage and Emergency Closing Center.
Local Media: Announcements on designated radio and television stations.
- Radio: WAKE (1500am), INDIANA (105.5fm), WZVN (107.1fm), WGN (720am), WBBM (780am)
- Television: CBS (Channel 2), NBC (Channel 5), ABC (Channel 7), WGN (Channel 9), FOX (Channel 32), CLTV, Lakeshore Public TV

Parental Discretion

SCOH acknowledges that parents may choose to keep their children home during adverse weather conditions.

Notify: Parents should inform the school of their decision.
Attendance Recording: Students will be marked absent per state code but will have the opportunity to complete assignments as with an excused absence.

Additional Resources

Technology Assistance: For technical support contact the Technology Helpdesk at 219-942-1388 or visit the Student Technology Helpdesk
Bus Tracking: Utilize the Here Comes the Bus app with school code 46342 to monitor bus locations. For assistance, contact the Transportation Department at 219-947-2413
- In the event of inclement weather when school is still in session in the buildings, parents and students are encouraged to use Here Comes the Bus to determine when the bus is approaching and know when to go to the bus stop. Here Comes the Bus allows for the monitoring of bus location with GPS.

Weather Factors Influencing E-Learning Decisions

Snow accumulation predictions usually have a 2-inch margin of error. School status decisions wait until snowfall clearly impacts safety, typically made in the morning unless conditions are severe.

Extreme Snowfall Situations
- If snow accumulation is significant enough that local authorities deem roads impassable by morning, a decision may be made the pervious evening.

Extreme Cold

Extreme Wind Chill

Monitoring Temperatures - We use the National Weather Service Windchill Chart to guide decisions.

Facilities & Transportation Impact - Utility disruptions (gas, electricity, water) or cold-related issues affecting building or bus operations may also result in moving to E-Learning, depending on severity.

For assistance with technology issues and E-Learning, please visit our helpful webpage at www.hobart.k12.in.us/elearning

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