Tip 2: Use Clear and Specific Language
Any posting about a weather cancellation should include the day and date. You would think “today” and “tomorrow” are specific, but you’d be surprised at how many parents will look at the time something’s posted and say to themselves, “By today, does she actually mean today or tomorrow?” When teachers send out a snow day class update, it should have specific information and a date in the title.
No School Thursday, Feb. 24th doesn’t leave room for confusion like Snow Day Tomorrow!
Tip 3: Inform Families About What Type of Stay-at-Home Day it Will Be
Post-pandemic, districts have more choices: traditional snow day, synchronous remote learning, or asynchronous remote learning. If districts opt for remote learning, it counts as a school day – which also means districts are required to bus students to out-of-district placements. This is tricky if the weather’s causing dangerous road conditions. If students are spending the day learning, they’ll need a schedule complete with links to any online classes, assignments, and where to post homework. Teachers typically turn to translatable digital newsletters or class web pages to share weather-related remote learning info. And if it’s just a good old-fashioned weather closure day, consider sharing some helpful resources with the adults – they’ll appreciate it for sure!
No one wants to field angry phone calls (or emails), so reduce pressure on your inbox by following these easy tips for maximum inclement weather communications clarity. Oh, and remember to put a spoon under your pillow!
Related:
4 reasons we put all of our district communications on one platform
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