Weather Related Delays and Closings FAQ

Weather and road conditions are checked during the night before a potential weather event. A variety of resources are used to gather information before making a decision. Local news stations, weather alerts from NOAA and the National Weather Service are monitored for rapidly changing weather patterns and storm predictions. Our Transportation contractor and Facilities Departments work closely with the local road crews, PennDOT, and county public works and Police to determine road safety. Road safety includes snow and ice accumulation, washed out roads, fallen trees, down power lines, traffic accidents, and the like. Communications occur throughout the night and are in full operation by 5:00am. 

The decision to delay or close school is more than snowfall accumulation. Bus stop safety, walking routes, school parking lots and sidewalks, building heat and power, traffic accidents, ice and other precipitation are a few of the factors considered. 

We attempt to adhere to our guidelines; however, Northwestern Pennsylvania weather is unpredictable and often erratic.

6:00am - Decision to delay or close 

8:00am - Decision to close after issuing a delay 

We operate on a 2-hour delay schedule, so add 2 hours to your bus stop and school start times. 

Regular Start Time 2-Hour Delay Start Time 

Elementary Schools 8:15am 10:15am 

Jr/Sr High Schools 8:00am 10:00am 

There is no set temperature that would cause a district to close. Several districts in our area consider cold weather delays when wind chill approaches -20 degrees. Delaying school due to cold weather is only logical if the temperature is expected to increase significantly by the time students are waiting at the bus stop. 

Weather conditions vary throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania, and our decision is based on Crawford County’s road conditions and school operations. 

Yes. If PENNCREST closes school, all after school activities are cancelled at all District schools. 

However, out-of-district events may not be cancelled. Each school will notify participants if events are to continue as scheduled. 

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Please contact the building principal or guidance counselor if you believe a student is in need of winter clothing. 

Under PA School Code Section 2523, all students must attend 180 school days and receive no less than 990 hours per year in the secondary and 900 hours per year in the elementary levels. 

PENNCREST builds in five (5) make-up days each year. 

If a school or school district is unable to make-up a school closure, they must request an exception to the 180-day attendance requirement and justify the reason. The reason must include why the day cannot be added to the end of the school year in June. 

The bus drivers will make every attempt to complete their routes. If any particular road is deemed to be unsafe because of ice, snow, or other conditions and the parent is not able to transport their child to school, the student’s absence will be an excused absence. 

It is unlikely the District will dismiss students early. The decision to keep students in school until roads are passable is more likely than sending students home to the possibility of an empty house. This is especially a concern with our elementary students. 

1. Television 

2. District Website 

3. CONNECT message 

4. Social Media