Weather-Related Closures
Weather Related School Closure
How Goodrich Area Schools Makes the Decision
Our Priority: Safety First
The safety of our students and staff is always our highest priority. Every weather event is unique, and decisions to close school are made carefully using the best information available.
Why Doesn't Goodrich Always Close When Other Districts Do?
Goodrich Area Schools serves a large geographic area with a combination of state highways, county roads, rural roads, and gravel roads. Weather and road conditions can vary greatly across our district, meaning travel may be safe in one area but hazardous in another.
Because every school district has different bus routes, road conditions, and operational needs, our decision may not always match neighboring districts.
What Do We Consider?
Before making a decision, district administrators monitor weather conditions and consult with:
- National Weather Service
- Genesee County Road Commission
- Local law enforcement and emergency officials
- Neighboring school districts
- Goodrich Area Schools Transportation Department
We evaluate:
- Road conditions throughout the district
- Snowfall and ice accumulation
- Visibility during travel times
- Extreme cold and wind chill
- Bus route safety
- Parking lots, sidewalks, and school entrances
- Forecasted conditions during morning transportation
When Will I Know?
Our goal is to make a weather-related decision by 6:00 a.m. whenever possible, giving families and staff adequate time to prepare for the day.
Because weather conditions can change rapidly, there may be occasions when additional time is needed to make the safest and most informed decision.
How Will Families Be Notified?
If school is closed, families will be notified through:
- District communication system (phone, text, and email)
- Goodrich Area Schools website
- District social media pages
- Local television and radio stations
Family Judgement
Weather can worsen quickly. Sometimes even after the buses and drivers are on the road. If conditions are unsafe where you live and you keep your child home, we fully support that parent choice.
Thank You
We understand that weather-related closures affect family schedules and childcare plans. While these decisions are never easy, they are always made with one goal in mind:
Keeping our students and staff safe.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and partnership as we work together to ensure a safe learning environment for every Martian.
Other Considerations
Whenever school is closed due to weather:
- The Children’s Center will also be closed.
- All school-sponsored activities for students at the K - 8 levels are to be considered cancelled until further notice or the resumption of school.
- At the Grade 9-12 levels, if conditions improve later in the day, the principal and/or Athletic Director will be responsible for recommending to the Superintendent which, if any, school-sponsored activities, including athletic practices and games, may take place.
Outdoor Recess During Cold or Hot Weather
Fresh air and outdoor play are an important part of the school day, and we encourage students to go outside whenever it is safe to do so.
Building principals make daily recess decisions based on several factors, including:
- Temperature and wind chill
- Heat index during warmer months
- Playground conditions
- Length of time outdoors
- Students' age
- Whether students are dressed appropriately for the weather
Even when weather is less than ideal, a shortened recess may still be beneficial if conditions are safe.
Please Help Your Child Be Prepared
Parents can help by ensuring students come to school with weather-appropriate clothing, including:
- Winter coat
- Hat
- Gloves or mittens
- Snow boots (when needed)
- Snow pants (when appropriate)
Early Release Due to Weather Conditions
Secondary Students May Be Released Early During Severe Weather.
The safety of our students is always our highest priority. During severe winter weather or other hazardous conditions, there may be times when Goodrich Area Schools releases middle and high school students before elementary students.
This decision allows our bus fleet to complete secondary routes and return in time to safely transport our elementary students before road conditions worsen. Because many of our buses serve multiple schools, this staggered dismissal helps ensure all students can get home as safely and efficiently as possible.
Whenever possible, we will communicate any early dismissal decision as soon as we can through our district communication channels. We appreciate your understanding as we make decisions based on current weather conditions, road safety, and the well-being of our students and staff.