Dear Cardinal Families,
As we look ahead to the winter months, we want to share a few updates on Lawson R-XIV Schools’ inclement-weather plans. Our goal, as always, is to ensure safety during inclement weather events. While we understand that snow days may be fun for kids, we also recognize that canceling classes can be a burden for parents/guardians. As always, we will only cancel school when conditions dictate, as necessary to keep students safe.
How and when do we decide to close school?
The decision to close school depends on factors such as temperature, wind chill, snow and ice levels, road conditions, and how these are expected to change throughout the day. We aim to notify families of school closures before 9:00pm the night before. However, if that's not possible, the decision will be made between 5:30 and 6:00am on the day of closure.
How will I be notified of school closings?
Cancellations will always be communicated first by phone and text message. If your contact information has recently changed, please update it with your school. Phone and text messages will be our primary methods for urgent updates. The district will also share school closing information through district email, the KMBC Channel 9 cancellation board, and the district's Facebook page.
What is a Traditional Snow Day?
The first day a closure happens will be treated as a traditional snow day, with no in-person or virtual learning expectations.
How will information about evening activities be shared?
Information about evening activities will be communicated as needed via email and text message.
When will a Virtual Learning or Alternative Method of Instruction (AMI) day be used?
Our school will only implement Virtual Learning or AMI if there are two or more consecutive days of school cancellations. Virtual learning will begin on the second consecutive day and continue for the duration of the closure days.
What if bad weather occurs during the school day?
We aim to remain open for the entire school day; early dismissals are used only in extreme cases. If an early dismissal occurs, all after-school activities will be canceled.
When will school be rescheduled?
Our 2025-2026 academic calendar, which includes virtual learning/AMI days, is designed so that weather-related closures will not require additional make-up days. The last day of school is scheduled for May 20, 2025.
_________________________________________
Virtual Learning Day/AMI:
Virtual Learning Day/AMI allows us to keep students actively engaged in learning and reduce instructional gaps. The focus of Virtual Learning is on reviewing, practicing, and reinforcing previously taught concepts.
For Students
Students in grades PreK-6 will have access to enrichment activities to support ongoing learning.
Examples:
Reading a book and drawing or writing a response
Completing math fact practice or real-life word problems
Writing a journal entry, letter, or story
Conducting simple science observations or drawing labeled diagrams
Engaging in creative tasks such as art, goal-setting, or physical activity tracking
Students in grades 7-12 will be expected to log in to Google Classroom, complete any missing assignments, and submit lessons as assigned from prior in-person instructional days. No new digital assignments will be added during Virtual Learning/AMI days.
For Students/Parents/Guardians/Staff
All teachers, including non-core and special education, will be available DURING regular school day hours, 8am-3pm, to respond to student and parent communication in a timely manner. Communication channels, including but not limited to email, Google Classroom, Remind, and SeeSaw.
Students with IEPs will receive services according to Form G through Google Classroom or teacher-provided work.
For Staff
Teachers will work from home.
Prek-6 Classroom and Encore Teacher Responsibilities:
Before Virtual Learning Days:
Teachers will create an academic choice board with enrichment activities to support ongoing learning.
Grades 7-12 Classroom Teacher Responsibilities:
Lesson expectations:
Digital Learning
Information, including class updates, will be posted on Google Classroom based on the content currently being taught in the course, for review and completion of existing assignments.
All other staff will follow existing expectations for reporting to work or working from home.