Weather Related Closing Policy

We understand that our decision to open, delay or close the Academy in bad weather has a significant effect on our families. We also understand that our students are better served – both academically and socially – by being in school. However, our top priority remains the safety of our students. Below is the process we follow to make those decisions.

HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION?

Please understand that we make the decision to open, delay or close school in bad weather based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors, including the following:

• Information on road conditions from weather reports and police. Even if your street looks clear, travel elsewhere in our area may be dangerous. Remember that many of our families travel long distances to both of our campuses. Also, we must consider that some high school students drive to school.
• Amount of snow and ice accumulated.
• Whether precipitation is continuing.
• Personal observation. Around 4:00 a.m.,  an administrator drives several local roads and our parking lots.
• Weather predictions. We prefer not making our decision based primarily on weather predictions, which are not always accurate. But sometimes this is unavoidable.
• What other schools are doing. We review both private schools (i.e., Southwest Christian, Oakridge, Montessori Academy, Temple Christian, etc.) as well as Mansfield and Arlington school districts.

WHO MAKES THE DECISION?

The headmaster is responsible for the final decision, based on the above factors together with the input and recommendations from each of the principals.

HOW ARE THE PCA FAMILIES NOTIFIED?

Watch WFAA-TV Channel 8, KDFW/Fox 4 Channel 4, or KXAS-TV Channel 5 or listen to KCBI Radio 90.9FM or KLTY 94.9FM for news on weather-related school closings (they will also post school closings on their respective web sites). Each year the list of media outlets may have additions or changes. We will attempt to send an e-mail by RenWeb as early as possible as well as posting updates on Facebook and Twitter. Do not call the school or teachers unless it is an absolute emergency.

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?

The headmaster must make the decision no later than 5:30 a.m. so we can notify the above media outlets and be included in their closing announcements. If the school closes or delays opening, all activities and programs affected are cancelled for that day and we will attempt to reschedule, if possible. In general, an announcement to close PCA will include both campuses, unless the announcement specifies otherwise.

WILL WE CLOSE SCHOOL IF CONDITIONS WORSEN?

Sometimes the weather does worsen during the day. Though we cannot totally depend on news and weather reports, we do monitor them closely during bad weather while in school. If conditions worsen during the school day, we will have an early dismissal, but we will seek to give adequate notice to our parents first by posting it on our website, Facebook and Twitter,  sending a RenWeb announcement, and contacting WFAA-TV Channel 8, KDFW/Fox 4 Channel 4, KXAS-TV Channel 5, KCBI Radio 90.9 FM and KLTY 94.9 FM.

Although we do our best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. If you do not feel as though it is safe for your child to attend school, use your best judgment on whether he or she should attend. Also, discourage teenagers from driving in dangerous conditions and offer them alternatives if weather conditions worsen.

We hope this explanation helps everyone understand the process we use to make the best possible decision for all our families.