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Dear Penn-Delco Families and Staff,

Welcome back from Winter Break, and Happy New Year! It seems winter, along with potentially stormy weather, is wasting no time making an appearance as we begin 2025. With inclement weather in the forecast, I want to remind you of our procedures for weather-related closures, delayed openings, and the use of Flexible Instruction Days.

While some districts use virtual learning (Flexible Instruction Days) for all weather closures, Penn-Delco will designate the first two inclement weather days as traditional snow days, with no virtual learning or online expectations - just time for kids to be kids and create snow day memories. After these two days are used, closures will transition to Flexible Instruction Days, with students logging in for instruction from home.

For example, if schools need to close next week due to the forecasted storm, the first inclement weather day would be a traditional snow day with no online expectations.

Flexible Instruction Days help ensure we do not have to extend the school year to make up for lost learning time. I feel that this approach balances the tremendous opportunities that technology now provides while acknowledging that unexpected surprises in the form of "snow days" can be beneficial for students.

Please see below for a refresher on our inclement weather procedures:

How Decisions are Made

We monitor weather conditions closely, assessing roads as early as 4:30 a.m. Decisions to delay or close schools are typically made by 5:30 a.m., with every attempt to send notifications by 6:00 a.m.

If severe weather is certain, we may announce closures the night before. These early notifications are becoming a more popular trend throughout the region since they assist families with planning, but we acknowledge the potential risk if the forecast changes overnight. 

Notifications

You will receive updates through:

• Phone call, email and text (ensure your contact info is current in Skyward; text “Y” to 67587 to opt in for text alerts)
• District website (www.pdsd.org)
• Social media (@PennDelcoSchoolDistrict on Facebook and @penndelcoproud and @pdsdsupt on Instagram)
• Local TV stations (6 ABC, CBS 3, NBC 10, FOX 29)

Schedules

• Delayed Openings: Schools open two hours later than regular start time (no breakfast served).
• Early Dismissals:
  • If schools close before lunch:
    • Sun Valley: 10:45 a.m.
    • Northley: 11:25 a.m.
    • Elementary: 12:05 p.m.
  • If closing after lunch:
    • Sun Valley: 12:00 p.m.
    • Northley: 12:40 p.m.
    • Elementary: 1:20 p.m.
• Flexible Instruction Days: Details and schedules can be found at www.pdsd.org/flex.

Online Access

Ahead of any anticipated winter storm, students will be sent home with their district-issued Chromebook or iPad so they can access the necessary technological tools to participate in online learning

Decisions on school closings, delayed openings, or early dismissals are always made with student and staff safety in mind. I am aware of the impact that changes to a school schedule can have on families who must make arrangements for their children. I appreciate your support as we work to minimize the impact of winter storms on our operations. Please do not hesitate to contact your child's Principal, the Assistant Superintendent, or my office should you have any questions.

Fingers crossed for a limited number of snowstorms this year!

Sincerely,

Dr. George Steinhoff
Superintendent of Schools

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This message was originally sent to PDSD families and staff via email on January 3, 2025. If you did not receive this message, please review your contact preferences in the Skylert section of Skyward.