School Closing:
Timeline
The
decision to cancel school is typically made by 6am and immediately
reported to area radio and television stations. While it is preferable
to make the decision the night before, it is usually not possible. The
message will be relayed to staff, students, and parents in a number of
ways.
School Closing Notification
In the
event that Atchison Public Schools needs to close schools for any
emergency reason, including bad weather, information is available at:
- USD409.net
- USD 409 SchoolMessenger Text Alerts
- Facebook
- Atchison Educational Channel 14
- Local television and radio stations
- KQ-TV Channel 2
- WDAF-TV Channel 4
- KCTV Channel 5
- KMBC-TV Channel 9
- WIBW-TV Channel 13
- KSHB-TV Channel 41
- KAIR 1470 AM/93.7 FM
- KNZA 104 FM
- WIBW 94.5 FM
In
the case of early dismissal after school is in session, school and
staff will work with parents as much as possible to assist in the safe
return home of all students. Parents are advised to make prior plans
with their children for such a situation.
If an early dismissal
is necessary, all classes will be dismissed. All practices and events
will be cancelled for that afternoon/evening. The only exception will be
a high school event which cannot be rescheduled. At the elementary
level, all students must be accounted for prior to release.
Emergency Drills:
All
schools conduct emergency drills at various times throughout the school
year. Students shall be informed of emergency drill procedures at the
beginning of each school year. Every student and adult must participate
and follow directions closely. The drills are designed to prevent injury
and save lives and therefore must be treated seriously.
Evacuation/Relocation:
Atchison
Public Schools may decide to initiate emergency evacuation procedures
at any one of its buildings to ensure the safety and security of
students and staff. Subsequent to an evacuation, the relocation of
students might be undertaken if it is determined that they will not be
able to re-enter their school within a reasonable amount of time or
circumstances dictate that it is unsafe for them to remain on campus.
The relocation site will be determined upon a case-by-case basis in
relation to the facts and circumstances of the specific incident.
Regular bus riders might be transported home depending upon the
circumstances of the event, while other students might be relocated to a
safe place for reunification with their parents/guardians.
Decisions
regarding evacuation/relocation are always based upon what is the
safest resolution for students and staff. The paramount concern during
an evacuation and relocation is to maintain the safety of our students
and account for their presence. All information regarding such an
evacuation/relocation will be made available to parents/guardians via
USD 409 Alerts. Other means of communication may also be used. These
notifications may include specific instructions regarding where and when
to reunite with students.