Severe Weather Awareness

Severe Weather Info
Posted on 03/02/2020
Severe weather season is upon us and we would like to share with you our severe weather procedures.

When the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning for Shawnee County during school hours, students in all USD 345 buildings will take cover. Administrators have identified safe places for sheltering in all school facilities and conduct severe weather drills during the school year so students know what to expect. No students or staff members will be allowed to leave the shelter area until the warning has expired. For this reason, parents will not be able to pick up their children from school while a warning is underway. School staff members will not be answering the office telephones since they are all required to report to the shelter areas. When necessary, we will keep children at school beyond regular hours if threatening weather approaches.

We realize dangerous weather has the potential to pop up during bus routes. Our bus drivers’ number one priority is to safely deliver each of our students to their proper destination. Bus drivers have been trained to assess and report potential weather conditions and remain in contact with the transportation department throughout their routes. Drivers have protocols in place to quickly, accurately, and efficiently react to severe weather conditions.

When possible, you will receive an email through SchoolMessenger letting you know the students are taking cover. You will receive a second email when the warning has expired and students and school staff are returning to classrooms. The safety of our students is our number one priority and we will keep you notified of procedures, pick-up instructions (if necessary) and other information pertaining to all emergencies.

If you’re not signed up for email through our notification system, SchoolMessenger, please contact your school office to update your contact information.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have questions or concerns.