Dear Parents/Guardians,

If you have lived in Oklahoma for any length of time, you know that spring often brings with it the threat of severe weather, including high winds, hail and tornadoes.

I would like to take this opportunity to make you aware of our severe weather guidelines. When a tornado watch is issued during school hours, site administrators monitor local media and the National Weather Service to stay up-to-date-on potentially changing weather conditions. When a tornado warning is issued or the city tornado sirens are activated in the vicinity during school hours, students take shelter in the building until the “all-clear” is given by the central office.

At our school, students and non-essential staff shelter in the safest refuge areas. Threatening weather that approaches at the end of the school day can present additional challenges. If a tornado warning is in place at dismissal time, we will not release students to go home until the “all-clear” is given. If a watch is in place at dismissal time, students will be released and sent home. Buses will be held and not be in transit when there is immediate pending severe weather. If a bus is in route and the weather dictates immediate action, the bus will seek shelter at the nearest school.

If you choose to keep your child (ren) home or check them out early due to weather conditions, please be advised that attendance requirements remain in place.  You may contact the school to report your child(ren)’s excused absence. At the high schools, such absences are recorded and included in the count for test exemptions.

Also, it’s important to let you know that Edmond school buildings are not public storm shelters. The Central Oklahoma Emergency Management Association emphasizes that a personal storm shelter is the best option to protect you and your family during threatening weather.

Considerable time and effort go into creating detailed plans and conducting drills during the school year to prepare students and staff should weather become threatening. We want to assure you that the care and safety of your children is of utmost importance.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Delclamp