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How does CBVRCE decide on school and/or bus cancellations?
By 4:30 a.m., CBVRCE staff begin to gather information from:
- A contracted weather service that provides radar and satellite imagery, real-time road conditions and weather warnings
- A meteorologist who provides forecast details, level and type of precipitation and impact on road conditions
- Municipal and provincial transportation staff; and
- Other local weather services, including Environment Canada and the Weather Network.
Who makes the decision to cancel/delay school and/or buses?
By 5:30 a.m., CBVRCE staff make recommendations to the Director of Operations (or designate), who then makes the final decision.
When is the decision made?
It is our goal to make the decision as close to 6:00 a.m. as possible. A 6 a.m. announcement could be:
- All schools are closed for the day
- Some schools (either individually or by family of schools) are closed for the day
- All schools are open, but some or all busses are not operating for the day or are operating on paved roads only.
- All schools are delayed in opening by 1 or 2 hours. (This would mean all bus pick-up times are also delayed by 1 or 2 hours; Dismissals remain at regular time)
How will I find out?
- CBVRCE sends alerts via text message to registered families and staff. (To subscribe, text Y to 978338 from a cell phone number that is already on file with your child’s school)
- Follow us on Twitter @CBVRCE_NS
- Visit our website https://cbvrce.ca
- Phone our Storm Line: 1-888-320-8181
What if busses are cancelled, but schools are open?
There are times when we may decide to keep schools open, but cancel bussing due to poor road conditions. As parents and guardians, you must use your own discretion with regard to sending your child to school. Before dropping students off, please ensure that someone on staff has arrived at the school and can provide supervision.
If schools are open, meaningful learning activities will take place. Students who are unable to attend school due to inclement weather and/or bus cancellations will not be penalized if assignments are given or assigned on that day.
What if the weather deteriorates throughout the day?
If the weather deteriorates, the CBVRCE can decide to dismiss students early. In the event of an early dismissal, the decision will be communicated to all schools as close to 11:00 am as possible.
- Bussed students will be picked up 2 hours earlier than their regular dismissal time; and
- Walking students will be dismissed at their regularly scheduled lunch hour.
In the event of an early dismissal, students in Pre-Primary to 5 will not be released from school unless parents/guardians or designates have been notified by the school.
If you have a child in middle school or high school, you should prepare and discuss a plan for what to do if schools close early.
How can I be prepared for cancellations or delays?
To minimize confusion, make sure you have developed a plan, and discussed it with your child(ren).
Things to consider:
- Do you have a back-up plan for childcare if schools are closed or delayed in opening?
- Does your child know where they are to go if school is cancelled early?
- Is your child always dressed properly for the weather conditions, regardless of whether they travel by bus or walks to school?
Please remember: As a parent or guardian you always have the choice of whether or not to send your child to school.