Safety First for Avery County School Students, “It’s Not an Option” Many may ask, “Why is school closed today”? The answer according to Superintendent David Burleson, “We closed school because it was not safe for travel, especially for teenager drivers. While the mission for the Avery County Schools is to graduate every student college or career ready, the safety of students and staff must take top priority. We will always ere on the side of safety when it comes to the decision to close school due to inclement weather or other hazardous situations.” The process to close schools is an effort made by a team of professionals following certain procedures. The team begins by gathering information from the national and local weather forecast; followed by advise from the North Caroling Department of Transportation, the Avery Sheriff’s Department, Avery Communications and the North Carolina Highway Patrol. The team consisting ACS Transportation Director Brian King, Mike Simerly and James Stamey (transportation specialist) and Superintendent David Burleson, begin monitoring and assessing road conditions as early as 3 a.m. Concurrently, the NC Department of Transportation, Avery Communications, Sheriff’s Department and the NC Highway Patrol are monitoring and accessing road conditions. Consideration is given to school buses to make sure that conditions and/or rigid temperatures do not threaten the operating efficiency of each bus. School buses often have difficulty starting and operating with the temperatures reach single digits. David Burleson, in a recent interview stated that, “Avery County Schools is committed to each childs education. We aggressively and intentionally do every thing possible to ensure that each child receives the best education possible. In order to stand behind our mission, we will never sacrifice student safety and will, without exception, provide the safest travel for each child. We are aware of the havoc the winter has caused our school year calendar, especially with our high school testing schedule and exams. We understand the need to stay on a schedule that supports student learning. The decision to close school at anytime is not an easy decision and is prayerfully made. We will continue to move forward for student success and to operate our schools in the safest manner possible. We greatly appreciate the patience of our staff, students and our parents. One thing is for sure--spring is coming! Working together we can get through the difficult, inclement days.” Mr. Burleson expressed appreciation to the YMCA for offering Snow Camp for students in grades first through sixth. This service is available from 8:30 to 3:30 each day that we are not in school. The camp is hosted as Newland Elementary. In addition, many teachers offer snow packets for students to work on at home when school is not in session. According to the superintendent, the current plan is to add 30 minutes to every school day except Friday. This altered schedule will start February 3 and continue through March. He further stated that Saturday school would be a last option, but may be necessary depending on the amount of days missed throughout the rest of winter. To access the most recent 2013-2014 school calendar, visit averyschools.net. The calendars are updated as needed.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 15:20:02 +0000
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