Adverse weather conditions are inevitable in South Dakota, so I wanted to share our procedures for late starts, early dismissals, and school cancellations.
First and foremost, we must remind our young drivers to plan ahead and allow more time when traveling to and from school during the winter months. As a parent/guardian, it’s your right to keep your child/children home from school if you don’t feel it’s safe for them to be traveling. We go to great lengths to avoid putting you in situations like this, but our district covers a large area. Weather conditions can vary greatly from one side of the district to the other. If you do not feel it’s safe to allow your child to drive and school is still in session, please communicate with the school office. If school remains in session and you feel your child needs to leave to avoid adverse weather conditions, please communicate with the school office.
Road checks begin around 4:30 am, and the School Message regarding a late start will be sent out no later than 6 am. If you do not receive notification from the district notification system (Kimball Schools App and/or phone call), delays and closings will be broadcast on the following media outlets: TV- KELO, KSFY. Weather delays will also be published on the district website at https://www.kimball.k12.sd.us/ and the school Facebook page as well.
When school is delayed, there will be no AM preschool, and breakfast will not be served. In the case of an early dismissal, we will follow the same notification procedures. Depending on the dismissal time, we will also try to serve lunch if possible.
Late starts, early dismissals, and school cancellations are always a difficult decision. We go to great lengths to make the best decision to keep our students and staff safe. As I previously stated, if there’s ever a time when school is in session, and you don’t feel it’s safe for your child to be on the roads, please communicate with the school office.
As always, thanks for your support and for continuing to make the Kimball School District a great place to learn, work, and grow.
Matthew Dykstra
Superintendent
