With near-zero temperatures coming Monday, Billings School District 2 Superintendent Greg Upham is giving some cold-weather reminders.
First, parents and students should make sure to update contact information with the school updated for future Robocalls and emails.
Although the district does not expect the need for alternate bus routes on Monday, Upham says parents and students need to know where those are.
He says parents should make sure children are dressed for the cold weather and wait at the bus stop with them until the bus picks them up.
The superintendent said parents will be notified of alternate bus stops through local media, including KTVQ.com and automated phone calls no later than 6 a.m. on that day. Or access the Billings Public Schools’ website.
Other Inclement Weather Tips:
- Expect buses to run late and be prepared for this event.
- Please wait at the bus stop with your children until the bus picks them up. Students need the ability to get out of the elements in the event the bus is late.
- Observe the following winter safety tips with your students who walk to and from the bus stops or schools:
- Dress appropriately for cold weather – sweaters, pants, winter coats, hats, scarves, socks, and boots. Even when on a bus, it may not heat well in extreme cold, may breakdown, or might even get stuck.
- Allow extra travel time to get to the bus stop or school.
- Wear bright jackets or coats so bus drivers can easily see you in the morning or evening.
- Stand at least 10 steps away or back from bus stops. Buses need extra room to stop when there is snow or ice.
- Do not walk or play on snow mounds or ice within 10 feet of the roadway – you can fall and slip into the roadway and be at risk of being struck by a vehicle.
- Do not cross the street at your bus stop until all traffic has come to a complete stop and the bus driver has signaled that it is safe to cross.
Upham said in his newsletter that parents must make the final decision on whether their children attend or do not attend school during severe weather.
And he asks parents to please discourage high school students from driving in bad conditions and offer them alternatives if weather conditions worsen. Finally, if you do not automatically receive the Superintendent’s Newsletter, you can register at http://www.billingsschools.org/newsletter-sign-up.html. This will allow you to receive important information during the school year.
