BOISE, Idaho — Boise School District (BSD) and West Ada School District (WASD) have both warned parents about extreme cold temperatures in the coming days, how the districts work to ensure the safety of students and staff and that parents can download apps to monitor the buses and make sure kids are not waiting too long. Boise School District has also stated that buses may run late during extreme cold snaps.
"Understanding that opinions can be as varied as snowflakes, my primary focus is on the well-being of our students. Waiting for buses or traveling in such chilly conditions isn't the warmest experience, and for any differences of opinion on this, please accept my heartfelt apologies," said West Ada Superintendent Dr. Bub. "I encourage you to ensure your student stays snug and bundles up. Take those necessary precautions if you find yourself out and about during these chilly times – safety first for both you and our children."
Both districts do not usually close school due to the cold but West Ada may cancel school if the temperatures go below -20 degrees and BSD said parents can keep their child at home if they believe the cold is too dangerous for them. They do ask that you notify the school.
"As extreme cold grips our area, we want to remind our school community of the measures we have in place to keep our students safe. Our top priority is always the well-being of our students and staff, and we take this responsibility very seriously," BSD stated in a news release.
BSD stated that during extreme temperatures each school will determine criteria that is appropriate, and listed the following conditions that will be considered:
Temperature
Humidity
Local weather reports
Age of students
Length of time outside
Adequacy of the clothing being worn
Recess and Physical Activity/Physical Education Classes:
When properly clothed, elementary-aged students can participate in an outdoor environment in most weather conditions. Increased caution should be displayed when temperatures fall below 20 degrees including wind chill.
When the temperature and wind chill fall below 20 degrees, students will remain indoors
Parents are encouraged to dress their children appropriately for the weather conditions.
Schools should try and honor reasonable parent requests or a reasonable request to allow students to stay indoors. Requests based on health conditions will be honored. Specifically, asthmatic children may need special accommodation for their needs during cold weather. The school should work with the parent on a plan for when the child is unable to participate in outdoor activities.
Both districts will keep kids inside for recess if temperatures go below 20 degrees and have school bus tracking apps that parents can download. For BSD bus app click here, for WASD click here.
Both schools have recommendations.
BSD recommends:
Dressing your child appropriately for these extreme weather conditions. For example, wear a warm coat, hat, gloves, and boots. We also recommend providing extra layers for added warmth.
West Ada recommends:
As always, have students wear bright colors.
Be cautious of anything dangling off clothing or backpacks as it can get caught on bus doors.
Have student(s) wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.
Be sure hats and/or hoods do not obstruct the student(s) ability to hear and see traffic.
Cover student(s) mouth to protect his/her lungs from extreme cold.
Have student(s) wear shoes with good traction.
Use the restroom before getting on the bus!
Plan ahead for any medical needs your student may have on the bus.
Go to KTVB.com for the latest school closures.
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