Winter Weather Protocols

Here is some information for weather-related school closures or delays as well as eLearning expectations and procedures.

Communication on Closures and Delays

A decision to close or delay school will be made by 6 a.m. Information will be communicated via local media (WNDU, WSBT, ABC-57), on the SJHS website, and through an automated phone call. Posted information will indicate if a closure is an eLearning day. An advantage of eLearning is that these days do not need to be made up later in the school year. See our calendar for days identified as snow make-up days in the event that we have any true snow days to make-up.

Delayed Start

Certain weather conditions may result in a 2-hour delayed start. School will start at 10:15 a.m. and regular attendance is expected. All classes, including Flex period, will meet for 60 minutes. Lunch will be served and school will dismiss at the usual time of 3:15 p.m.  

eLearning Procedures and Expectations

On most days with a weather-related closure, we will have an eLearning day. Students should approach an eLearning day as they would approach an in-building school day:  be prepared; be engaged, inquisitive, and eager to learn; and complete all assignments on time and to the best of their abilities.  

Lesson Availability Lessons and assignments will be posted by each teacher on their Canvas page by 9:00 a.m. on an eLearning Day due to inclement weather. All lesson resources will be available through Canvas.

Lesson FormatFor each class, eLearning requirements will be broken into two parts:

• Check-in: A check-in will be a short question, prompt, or task that students must complete in order to be marked present for that class period. Students are to complete and submit the check-in for each of their classes by 12:00 p.m. on the eLearning Day. Failure to meet that requirement will result in the student receiving an absence for that class period. Consequences for an unexcused absence may apply.   
   
• Lesson and Assignment: Lessons will typically include an instructional component, practice, an assignment, and an assessment. The assignment is to be completed before the start of class the next time that class meets. In other words, if an eLearning Day occurs on a Monday and Monday is a White Day, then a student’s work for third hour is due before the start of third hour on Wednesday (the next White Day). In some cases, a teacher may have a short assignment due earlier than that so they can review and assess that work prior to the next class. This is akin to an in-class assignment. Any work that is not submitted by the deadline may be subject to a penalty per class policy as communicated by individual teachers. 

Teacher Availability Teachers will be available to students to answer questions and provide support online for four hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on an eLearning Day. Teachers will publish the hours they will be available and their contact information on Canvas.  

Tech Support The iHelp Desk will provide remote tech support. Students can email ihelp@saintjoehigh.com or call 574-233-6137, ext. 202 for assistance. Students who do not have Wi-Fi access at home should contact the iHelp desk prior to the possibility of an eLearning day.  

Additional Information A more detailed eLearning protocol can be found here.  

Athletics & Co-Curriculars

In the event of a closure, all morning practices are canceled. Afternoon practices and games may or may not be held depending on conditions throughout the day. Information will be communicated to players and parents by coaches via Final Forms or other means. If practice is held, players may be excused if parents determine that conditions make it too difficult to transport their son/daughter to practice. 

Driving Conditions and Safety

Please talk with your students who drive themselves to school about safety in challenging weather conditions. Whether a regular start or a 2-hour delay, we ask them to leave early and drive carefully on winter weather days. Parents are also encouraged to drive them in the event of inclement weather. Ultimately, the parent reserves the right to keep their son or daughter home if conditions are deemed ill-suited to drive and they have no other transportation.

Questions on school closures should be made to the main office at 574-233-6137. Questions on eLearning procedures should be directed to MrS. Emma shakour at the same number or eshakour@saintjoehigh.com