NTI Day Information. High School - LINK. Middle School - LINK. Upper Elementary - LINK. Lower Elementary - LINK
INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION
Gallatin County Schools
The Decision-Making Process
Please know that the safety of our students, staff, and families is always our top priority in every decision we make, including those regarding school closures, delays, and early dismissals. These decisions are made with great care and always with an abundance of caution.
Many factors are considered in the decision-making process, including road conditions throughout the county, the safety of student drivers, and the ability of each campus to safely manage traffic, parking, and walking conditions. In evaluating these factors, we consult with a variety of experts, including district operational and transportation staff, as well as local emergency management officials.
To the best of our ability, the district will try to announce any decision as early as possible (and hopefully by 5am the morning of). However, this is not always possible, as conditions can change rapidly and the timing of weather systems does not always cooperate.
Although we understand these decisions may be subject to second-guessing, we ask that you remember they are made solely with the safety of our children in mind, and we will always err on the side of caution.
Getting the Word Out
If inclement weather impacts the school day in any way (closure, NTI, delay, or early dismissal), that notification will first be sent via the district’s Infinite Campus Messenger system. This platform provides the quickest and most direct method for reaching the greatest number of households in a short amount of time.
Follow-up communication will also be shared through the district’s Facebook account, website, and local news media, as appropriate.
School Closed (no NTI)
When school is closed, it is closed and will be made up at the end of the school year. Students and staff have no responsibilities for work, attendance, etc. (NOTE: Students attending JCTC should check on the status of their programs to see if they are still in session.)
Additionally, all activities and events are cancelled. If conditions improve later in the day for activities to possibly resume, that decision will be made by the Superintendent and communicated to principals.
The Gallatin County Board of Education will have 5 traditional snow days before utilizing Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI).
NTI Day
When the district utilizes a NTI day, students are expected to complete their work from home during the day. NTI days are considered full instructional days, and participation will impact both grades and attendance/truancy reporting. Check your child’s NTI website for specific school requirements.
These days do not have to be made up at the end of the school year.
Students attending JCTC should check on the status of their programs to see if they are still in session.
For additional information, please visit our district NTI website.
Delay (One or Two Hours Late)
Depending on the circumstances, the district may utilize a one- or two-hour delay as a safety precaution so that school can still take place and does not need to be made up at a later date. (NOTE: Students attending JCTC should check on the status of their programs to see if they are still in session.)
If a delay is utilized:
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Impacts to Preschool and ATC students:
Early Dismissal (One or Two Hours Early)
Every effort is made to keep students in school through the regular dismissal schedule. However, forecasted inclement weather in the afternoon may make it necessary to dismiss students earlier than usual to ensure their safe transport home.
During the day, district personnel continuously monitor weather conditions and remain in communication with local emergency management officials. Based on this collaboration and ongoing weather assessments, it may be determined that an early dismissal is in the best interest of student safety, allowing all students to arrive home before inclement weather arrives.
If an early dismissal is necessary:
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Extreme Cold
Another factor that may influence the decision to open, close, or delay the start of the school day is the “feels like” temperature—a combination of actual temperature, humidity, and wind speed during morning transportation hours. While most winter cold does not reach alert levels, Gallatin County Schools will follow National Weather Service (NWS) alerts regarding the “feels like” temperature.
Below are the NWS alerts and the corresponding decision-making process for Gallatin County Schools:
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While the district carefully monitors NWS alerts, most winter cold weather does not reach Advisory or Warning levels. Therefore, it is essential that students are dressed appropriately for winter conditions, including coats, hats, gloves, and other warm clothing. If your family needs assistance obtaining these items, please contact our Family Resource / Youth Service Centers for support.
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Adjustments to the School Calendar
When schools are closed (no NTI), adjustments to the school calendar may be required to make up the missed time. The Board of Education will make these adjustments in April, once the winter weather season has passed.
Once the revised calendar has been approved, it will be communicated to all stakeholders and uploaded to the calendar page on the district website.
Buses / Alternate Routes
Each day, our Transportation Department travels more than 1200 miles to bring our students to school. Sometimes, isolated roads need to be maneuvered around in order to ensure the safety of our buses and those on board. If inclement weather creates isolated road issues that we have to maneuver around, that information will be communicated directly to those impacted.
OVEC Early Head Start
This program is a separate entity from Gallatin County Schools but does utilize space on our campus for their program. Parents/guardians of children in the OVEC Early Head Start program will be notified via child plus message on the status of their program during inclement weather events.
OVEC Head Start
This program follows the Gallatin County Schools Inclement Weather delay/closure. Parents/guardians of children in the OVEC Head Start program should check the status of Gallatin County Schools during inclement weather events for delays or closures.
