Panther Safety Series: Special Weather Edition

Midway ISD Families,

We are closely monitoring forecasts for potential inclement weather later this week. With that in mind, I wanted to take a moment to share how we approach decisions about weather-related delays or closures.

When severe weather is in the forecast, my focus is clear: the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families. Midway ISD spans 87 square miles, covering both urban and rural areas, with roads managed by TxDOT, city, and county agencies. These unique factors mean weather and road conditions can vary greatly across our district. In addition, many of our staff live in neighboring areas that are outside of our district boundaries, meaning numerous factors contribute to decisions related to school closure/delay.

To determine if schools will delay or close, we work closely with county emergency management, National Weather Service meteorologists, local law enforcement, neighboring districts, transportation officials, and others to assess road and campus safety, as well as ongoing weather forecasts. The timing of weather events is also critical, as we evaluate conditions during bus-route, drop-off, and dismissal times.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Weather Monitoring: We track weather conditions using trusted forecasts and work closely with the weather service, local emergency services, TxDOT, and city and county officials.
• District-Wide Safety Assessment: With Midway ISD’s 87-square-mile footprint, road conditions can vary significantly between urban and rural areas. We begin evaluating facility and road conditions hours before expected weather – as early as 4 a.m. in many areas – and as soon as possible with unexpected weather.
• Ongoing Safety Considerations: In addition to getting students and staff to school safely, we also must consider if we can keep them operational while students are with us and get them home safely at the end of the day. Don’t worry, our campuses are warm and cozy, and in some cases may be the safest place for your child during severe weather.
• Staff Safety: Many of our staff live outside the district, so we will also monitor conditions in neighboring areas to ensure they can travel safely or manage closures in their home districts.

Every decision will be guided by one question: What is the safest and most responsible choice for our students and staff? If a decision about delays or closures is needed, we will notify families as early as possible through ParentSquare, our website, social media and local news media.

What should you do?

• Update Contact Info: Ensure your contact information is up to date in ParentSquare. You can update your notification preferences and download the app for immediate push notifications.
• Dress for Winter: Encourage children to wear layers and dress appropriately for cold temperatures. This includes a warm coat, hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof boots. Layers help trap heat, keeping children warm during outdoor activities or while waiting for the bus. If you are aware of or observe a child without a coat, please let your school counselor know.
• Travel Safety: Winter roads can be treacherous. If you drive your children to school, ensure your car is winter-ready with proper tires and a full tank of gas. Keep a winter safety kit in your car, including blankets, a flashlight, extra batteries, water, and non-perishable snacks.
• Home Emergency Plan: Ensure your family has an emergency plan for winter weather, including knowing how to stay warm during power outages. Stock up on essentials like non-perishable food, water, blankets, flashlights, and batteries. Identify a safe, warm place to shelter if conditions become extreme.  

We understand the challenges weather disruptions can cause, and we appreciate your patience and trust as we navigate these decisions. Please stay connected to our communication channels for updates, and know that we are committed to ensuring the safety of Panther Nation.

Additional Resources for Winter Weather Preparedness: ‍

• Ready.gov: Offers detailed tips on preparing for winter storms and extreme cold.
• National Weather Service: Provides advice for winter weather safety, including travel and home preparation.
• American Red Cross: Covers winter storm preparation and safety guidance.
• CDC Winter Weather Tips: Features information on preventing cold stress and staying safe during winter conditions.

Stay safe, Panthers!

Dr. Chris Allen

Superintendent, Midway ISD