ASD-N Families,

Safety is our top priority when we are dealing with the decision to close schools, delay school openings, cancel bus runs, or delay bus runs.

We have compiled some Frequently Asked Questions and corresponding answers, to help clarify what we may be dealing with over the coming months:

1) Who decides if there is a school cancellation?

When there is inclement weather in the forecast, the Superintendent is in communication with Provincial and District transportation officials, to gather the most up-to-date weather and road information. Based upon that latest information, the Superintendent will decide whether any schools need to be closed or have delayed openings due to the conditions. No communications are sent when schools are open as usual.

2) When will school cancellations be made?

When inclement weather is in the forecast, the following occurs early on that day of school:

• App. 4:45 a.m. – 5:15 a.m. –The District Transportation Team and Superintendent are in communication with snow plow operators to assess conditions.
• App. 5:15 a.m. – 5:30 a.m. – The District Transportation Team and Superintendent review weather forecasts and road conditions for each area of the District.
• App. 5:30 a.m. – The superintendent makes a decision on whether there will be school cancellations.
• App. 5:30 a.m. – 5:45 a.m. – Superintendent and Transportation Team send internal messages to staff.
• App. 5:45 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. – Cancellations are announced.

3) What does a “Delayed Bus Run” mean?

Sometimes the worst of the weather conditions have passed, but additional time is needed to clear roadways or parking lots. When this happens, schools will be open at their normal hours of operation and staff will be present, but bus runs may be delayed by one or two hours. For example, if your child’s bus pick-up is usually at 7:45 a.m. and there is a delayed bus run of two hours, your child’s bus pick-up will be at 9:45 a.m. on that day.

4) If there is a delayed bus run, can I still drop my child off at school?

Yes, when there is a delayed bus run, schools will be open at their normal hours of operation and staff will be present, so parents have the option of dropping students off at their respective schools.

5) What if inclement weather starts while students are already at school?

An “Early Dismissal” may occur when an unexpected weather event occurs. Buses will be called back to the school and parents/guardians will be notified.

6) How will I know if school is cancelled?

School closure information will be shared in a number of ways.

• Bus Planner: If you register online for Bus Planner, you will get notifications via email if your child’s bus is late, if there are delayed buses or when school is closed. This free service is available for families of all students, not just those that take a school bus. It only takes a few minutes to register for Bus Planner. Go to the ASD-N Website at http://asdn.nbed.nb.ca/ Click the Bus Planner icon on the right side of the page. Click on the Parent Portal icon. You will need to create an account as directed. You will need your child's NBEN number (you can find this on their Report Card or by calling the school office), birth date and civic number. If you have difficulty obtaining the information, please call the District Office Transportation Department and speak to Tabatha McIntyre at 506-778-5258. 
• Snow lines: a recorded message will be available after 6:00 a.m. by calling the ASD-N snow lines at: 

               * 1-888-950-1919 (Campbellton/Dalhousie/Bathurst Areas)

               * 1-506-778-7669 (Miramichi and Area) 

               * 1-506-523-0900 (Rexton) 

     -Website: The District website will post closures at http://asd-n.nbed.nb.ca/

     -Twitter:  closures are posted on the District’s Twitter feed

     -Radio:  a number of local radio stations will be contacted to announce closures.

*** Please note that it is a school-based decision to use the School Messenger system to notify families of closures, if available. However, parents should not rely on this means of communication only regarding school closures.

7) What if schools are open but I don’t feel the road conditions are safe?

Parents/guardians have the right to keep their child home should they deem road conditions unsafe. The student will not be penalized. You will be required to enter the absence in School Messenger’s Safe Arrival system right away, selecting the code ‘Other Informed Absence’ and adding the word “weather” in the comment box.