The Norwin School District administration takes a team approach when making decisions about school delays and closures. That decision is based on safety first, using the best information available at the time the decision must be made. Standard sources of information may include but are not limited to Accu-Weather, the National Weather Service, North Huntingdon Township Road Crews, the North Huntingdon Township Police, Irwin Borough Police, Irwin Borough Road Crews, PennDOT, the District’s Director of Facilities and Property Services, and the District’s Coordinator of Student Transportation.
Additionally, input from the District’s busing contractor, First Student, is received after they have evaluated various roadways in the School District firsthand. This procedure normally begins at 4:30 a.m. so that a decision can be made if a delay or cancellation seems warranted. The Superintendent may also consult with other Westmoreland County area school districts.
The final decision is reached generally around 5 a.m. to inform families, affected District personnel, and media. With an effort to maintain in-person instruction and limit disruptions to the maximum extent possible, decisions will typically not be made in advance in the evening based on forecasted conditions. Rather, decisions will be made based on the current conditions in the morning. Families are encouraged to plan ahead for the various possibilities posed by unpredictable or ever-changing weather.
School delays or cancellations due to cold weather are based on weather forecasts which take into consideration temperatures, wind chill factors, and gusty winds. If temperatures are in the low range of single digits, coupled with a below-zero wind chill factor, then there may be justification for a school delay. However, in most cases, the temperature does not increase significantly from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. when school delays may be announced. Recognizing that we want to be in school as much as possible for valuable instructional time, we try to avoid cancellations based on temperature alone, if possible.
Each decision regarding inclement weather is made on a case-by-case basis, and again, safety is the primary consideration in the decision. If parents remain concerned about the safety of their children after the District’s decision is made, they are encouraged to use their own judgment and to request an excused absence for their child when necessary.
If weather conditions deteriorate while school is in session, an early dismissal may occur.
We thank you for your patience and consideration as we navigate all weather-related events and decisions.
Questions or comments regarding student transportation should be directed to Mr. Rod Stewart, Coordinator of Student Transportation, at 724-861-3038.
