Rocket Nation Update

October 28, 2026

Greetings, Rockets!

As we move further into fall, we're sharing our annual reminder about the district's procedures for weather-related school delays and closures. While we hope for minimal disruptions to the school calendar, it's important for families to understand what to expect if winter weather affects our school schedule.

Please take a few minutes to review the information below, including how weather-related decisions are made, how families will be notified, and what you can do now to ensure you receive important updates.

When snow or ice is expected, district officials begin assessing weather and road conditions as early as 4:00 AM. We work closely with local road crews, police, and other authorities to evaluate travel conditions and determine whether students and staff can travel safely.

Our goal is to communicate any school delay or closure by 6:00 AM. If a two-hour delay is announced, we will continue monitoring conditions and may make a subsequent decision to close schools if necessary.

The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority when making these decisions.

• Two-Hour Delay: Schools will open two hours later than the normally scheduled start time. Bus transportation and car rider drop-off will take place two hours after the normal arrival time. Breakfast will not be served.

• Virtual Learning Day: Students and teachers will participate in learning remotely using Schoology and/or Seesaw. Students are prepared to work as independently as possible, though elementary students may need adult assistance.

• School Canceled: Schools will be closed, and no instruction will take place. The missed day may be made up on the next designated inclement weather make-up day identified on the 2026-2027 school calendar.

• Early Dismissal: If weather conditions worsen during the school day, the district may dismiss students early to allow for safer travel home.

For more information, please review our Inclement Weather FAQs.

The district uses an automated notification system to communicate weather-related delays, closures, and other important updates through phone calls, text messages, and emails.

Please note: Automated phone messages may take a few seconds to begin playing. When answering a district call, please say hello and remain on the line to hear the complete message.

Inclement weather announcements will also be posted on the District website and Facebook account. Local news stations, WGAL, Fox 43, ABC 27, and CBS 21, will also relay school closing or delay information.

To ensure you receive important district notifications, please take a moment to verify that your phone number and email address are accurate in the Sapphire Community Portal.

To review your notification settings:

• Log in to the Sapphire Community Portal

• Click on your name at the top right of the screen

• Select Account Settings from the drop-down

• Click on Notifications on the left side of the screen

If you need to update your phone number or email address, select Change Student Data under the Backpack section and make the necessary changes. For assistance, please follow these directions or contact your child’s school.

Thank you for taking the time to review these procedures and for your flexibility and cooperation when winter weather impacts our schools. By staying informed and keeping your contact information up to date, you can help ensure your family is ready for any changes to the school schedule.

We commit to creating an environment of respect, dignity, belonging, and positive engagement with our community and beyond.