Blair Oaks R-II District student and staff safety are the top priority when making decisions regarding the impact of potentially dangerous weather conditions, and timing is everything. Other circumstances may warrant a change in the school schedule as well. Collectively, any schedule change may be referred to as a "cancellation" of the regularly scheduled school day.

Typically a cancellation decision is made just prior to 6:00 AM on the morning in question. There are three potential options: closing, 2-hour late start, or early release. The forecasted timing of the event and clearing of the roadways have the greatest impact on weather-related determinations.

Notification

Once a cancellation determination is made, the district will immediately:

• Post the cancellation on the local radio and television stations

• Broadcast call/text/email/notify district families via the Blair Oaks R-II District Alert Center (info left)

• Post the cancellation on the front page of the website behind the CANCELLATIONS button (postings left)

2-Hour Late Start

If a 2-hour late start is decided, all schools will begin exactly 2 hours later than normal. Buses will begin their routes exactly 2 hours later than normal. Bus pick-ups will be exactly 2 hours later than normal. Parents may drop students off at school at 9:30 AM (2 hours later than the normal 7:30 AM). No breakfast will be served. Lunch will be served as normal. School will dismiss at normal time. Y-care and preschool after-school care will still be provided on late start days. Full guide linked to the left.

Early Release

If an early release is decided, notification with details of the early release will be sent to families immediately and with as much advance notice as possible. After-school care programs do not operate on emergency early release days.

Alternative Methods of Instruction

Also known as AMI, Alternative Methods of Instruction are utilized when possible. AMI is when students complete coursework at home, and it is still counted as an instructional day. BES and BIS utilize paper packets which are sent home with students ahead of time. BMS and BHS provide the majority of their coursework digitally because students have ready access to their Chromebooks.

Weather Make-Up Days

Make-up days may be required for a traditional school closing. Make-up days are listed at the bottom of the District Calendar (left).