Brace yourselves, folks, because winter weather is causing some schedule changes! Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) is taking proactive measures to ensure everyone's safety during this chilly spell. Let's dive into the details.
On Tuesday, December 9th, CHCCS will implement a two-hour delay due to anticipated freezing temperatures and potential icy road conditions, a decision announced at 5:11 p.m. to students, families, and educators. This proactive move gives everyone extra time to navigate potentially hazardous roads. Given the minimal snowfall on Monday, the district aims to prioritize safety.
But here's where it gets interesting: Despite a scheduled teacher workday, Wednesday, December 10th, will be a regular school day. Chief Communications Officer Andy Jenks explained that this decision aims to minimize disruptions to teaching and learning, especially considering recent time off. Teacher workdays remain crucial for planning and professional development, and the district is committed to accommodating staff in other ways.
Here's the adjusted schedule for Tuesday's two-hour delay:
- Elementary schools: Start at 9:50 a.m., dismiss at the usual time of 2:35 p.m.
- Middle schools: Start at 10:25 a.m., dismiss at the usual time of 3:20 p.m.
- High schools: Start at 10:55 a.m., dismiss at the usual time of 4 p.m.
- Buses: Will operate two hours later than usual.
It's worth noting that other school systems in the Triangle region, including Orange County and Chatham County Schools, also had to make adjustments due to the weather. Both Orange County and CHCCS had a two-hour delay on Friday, December 5th, as well. As of Monday at 5:25 p.m., Orange County and Chatham County Schools had not yet announced their plans for Tuesday.
A key point to remember: North Carolina schools aren't bound by a specific number of snow days. Instead, they must provide either 185 days or 1,025 total hours of instruction. They have the flexibility to use up to five remote learning days per year and can build in buffer days to make up for lost instruction time.
Winter Weather Safety is Paramount
During severe winter weather, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) strongly advises against unnecessary travel. If you must venture out, drive slowly, maintain ample distance from other vehicles, and clear your vehicle of ice and snow before hitting the road. If you find yourself stranded, pull over safely and call for help. For more detailed safety tips and traffic updates, check out the NCDOT's resources.
Staying Warm and Safe
Orange County residents have access to warming centers and overnight shelters to stay safe during freezing temperatures. IFC offers shelters nightly in Chapel Hill, and the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness organizes shelters whenever temperatures are forecast to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below. These shelters are open from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- 828 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Chapel Hill
- St. Matthews Episcopal Church on Hillsborough’s St. Mary’s Road
- Hillsborough Presbyterian Church on West Tryon Street
For additional safety tips and information, Ready.gov, a website by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, provides helpful resources for staying warm and safe during winter weather.
What are your thoughts on these school schedule adjustments? Do you think the two-hour delay is a good idea? Share your opinions in the comments below!
