McGuffey weather and calamity closings and delays are typically based on what Talawanda does, primarily because so much time, effort, and expertise go into making each decision. We also do so because so many families depend on the bus services provided by the district.
Snow days and one/two-hour delays are determined by the Talawanda School District based on discussions with and evaluations by the Oxford Police, the Highway Patrol, and other responsible sources of weather and road condition information. Deliberations begin in the wee hours (2:00 or 3:00am) and continue until the last possible moment. By 6:30 or 7:00am the decision is usually made, posted on both McGuffey and Talawanda’s websites, and communicated to the local radio and TV stations for broadcast. We follow Talawanda’s decision, even if McGuffey Foundation School is not specifically mentioned.
The quickest information seems to be on the Talawanda School District’s website. School closing and delays are posted on their home page, and you can also sign up for an email alert. Some television stations run a continuous crawl line, while radio stations tend to read the closing list frequently at certain characteristic times.
School Delay
On one or two-hour delay days there are generally no teachers at the school more than ten or fifteen minutes before the “official” opening time. (For a one hour delay that’s 9:45am and 10:45am for a two-hour delay.) In addition to digging out their driveways,
coaxing their own cars to life, and navigating bad roads, the altered schedule sometimes results in activity changes that necessitate quick trips to local stores for supplies and materials before school commences.
Wednesday School Delay
If a one or two-hour delay occurs on Wednesday, the early dismissal usually scheduled for that day is cancelled and school is dismissed at the usual 3:25pm time.
Early Dismissal
Early dismissals happen rarely, but when they do, we do our utmost to reach every family by telephone before they occur. Please be sure that your emergency numbers are up-to-date and correct. If weather conditions are deteriorating, local radio stations broadcast early-dismissal information continuously.
Arranging an early pick-up
If weather conditions or complications caused by weather conditions make it necessary for your child to be picked up early, please call the office to warn us and we’ll try to have your child ready to leave when you arrive.
McGuffey Calamity
In the unlikely event that our school experiences a calamity unique to us, we will notify parents by email and phone, depending on the time of day such information and decisions need to be shared. It is very important that you keep us informed during the year with up to date contact information. If we must, for any reason, leave the school grounds with your child, we will leave a note taped to the inside of the window on the front door telling you where your child has been taken. If you cannot get to the school, call Alfred Allen (523-4220) or Liz Woedl (523-1782 or 513-280-1044). If you are unable to reach us, you may call the Oxford Police, as we will have advised them as to the whereabouts of any child we take away from school.
