The Limestone District School Board works with KFL&A Public Health regarding extreme weather that might affect students and staff attending our schools. Schools within Limestone follow the guidance of KFL&A Public Health. When an extreme heat or extreme cold weather alert or warning is issued, each school will take appropriate precautions. It is important to note that decisions are usually made on a case-by-case basis as weather conditions can vary greatly within our district.
Extreme heat
KFL&A Public Health does not set maximum or minimum temperatures for outdoor play. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issues heat warnings when:
- There is a forecast of two or more consecutive days with daytime maximum temperatures of 31°C or warmer, together with nighttime minimum temperatures of 20°C or warmer; or
- When there is a forecast of two or more consecutive days with humidex values expected to reach 40°C or higher
Schools take precautions during hot, humid, or smoggy weather that may include encouraging students and staff to drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty; avoiding sun exposure; and rescheduling strenuous outdoor activity where necessary.
For more information on how to stay healthy during extreme heat, please visit the Extreme Temperatures page on the KFL&A website.
EMO Emergency Preparedness Resource: Extreme Heat Poster
Extreme cold
KFL&A Public Health does not set maximum or minimum temperatures for outdoor play. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) issues cold weather warnings when the temperature or wind chill is expected to reach -35°C for at least two hours.
Sometimes, the cold weather requires schools to keep students indoors for recess. The school principal, however, always has discretion.
For more information on how to stay healthy during extreme cold, please visit the Extreme Temperatures page on the KFL&A website.
Busing
During the potential inclement weather months (roughly early November to early April), our transportation partner, Tri-Board Student Transportation Services, works closely with their school bus companies to determine if it is safe to offer school transportation on inclement weather days. School buses function differently than other vehicles, and sometimes, although it is safe for the average family vehicle to travel, it is not safe for a school bus to be on all, or some of, the roads on a route. Having to cancel school transportation is understandably disruptive to families, but Tri-Board always puts the safety of their 30,000-plus bus riders first and foremost in their decision-making.
To help make the winter season and bus cancellation days easier for students and families to manage, families should sign up for bus status alerts by creating an account in Tri-Board’s Student Portal. Families can add their student(s) to their account, so they are signed up to receive alerts for their specific bus and zone cancellations. Families can also follow Tri-Board on social media:
When all transportation is cancelled across the district, the notification is sent as a general notice from Tri-Board to everyone with an account. Tri-Board does their best to post this alert by 6:00 a.m.
The cancellation of school buses does not mean schools are closed. Should the rare need to close a school arise, the information will be communicated by the LDSB and the individual schools.
Learn more about inclement weather days, timing and duration of cancellations, and more on Tri-Board’s website.
Early dismissal/school closures
While the decision to cancel buses occurs somewhat regularly throughout the school year based on weather and road conditions, the closure of schools is an infrequent and extraordinary measure. A decision to close schools is not taken lightly but is made when student safety and staff safety is at potential risk.
Sometimes, closures are the result of extended interruptions or failures of infrastructure, utilities or other building systems. Sometimes, closures are required when weather, road or other conditions might affect the safe transportation of students or staff – regardless of whether that transportation is by school bus, by vehicle, or by foot. Walkers, for example, might also be at risk should they have to contend with slippery sidewalks and/or the crossing of slippery roads and intersections.
Decisions on community use of schools (school rentals) are made on a case-by-case basis, however, usually if buses are cancelled, community use is also cancelled. It is best to confirm with individual schools.
Emergency contact information
In the event of early dismissal and/or school closures, it is imperative that schools have updated emergency contact information for all students. Families are asked to fill out emergency contact information at the beginning of the school year. It is essential that any changes to this information are provided to the school as soon as possible, if and when it changes. This includes change to address, telephone (home, work and cell phones), and those appointed by parents/guardians as alternate emergency contacts.
Schools must be able to reach parents/guardians to confirm that students are able to take the bus or walk home in emergency situations. Schools cannot do this without updated contact information. Also, it is important families think carefully about who they choose as an emergency contact. It should be someone who is able to make a decision regarding your child(ren) and/or pick up that child from school as soon as possible should you be unavailable.
While some school staff remain on site to ensure all students are bused and/or picked up safely, the safe arrival home of staff is also an important consideration.