Sunday, May 9, 2010
School Activities Case
Your school board policy allows you to determine local school activity schedules, including the ability to cancel extracurricular activities and practices. Schools were closed on this day due to snow and ice and your basketball coach wants to go ahead with practice anyway. What is your response and what actions will you take?
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With this situation and the area where I live, I would have to be able to look at a weather map and see what the upcoming forecast would be. If the forecast is good, then I would say it would be ok for the students to come as long as parents are transporting them to and from.
ReplyDeleteIf the weather looks bad moving in, then I would have to say No...and help the coach to understand that the students well-being is much more important than one more day of practice, I would assure the coach that if no school the next day we would re-visit the weather map and road conditions and see about the next day.
For me, it would depend on what the forecast was for that afternoon/evening. Maybe the snow/ice had melted. The parents would have to provide transportation, not buses. The coach would be responsible for clearing the sidewalks so the students could get in the building safely. If the weather was better, I'd say go ahead and have practice. If not, the children's safety is the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteClearly it would depend on the weather, but if the weather was clear for that afternoon, then I don't see any reason not to have practice. The coach should make it clear to the players that if it is dangerous to get to practice (because of living on a mountain or some similar situation), then they should not come and it would not be held against them.
ReplyDeleteI feel that if it is too dangerous for school then it is too dangerous for practice. After doing some research, I would consider a "limited" practice. A limited practice would be possible if the players had a clear route to get to the school for practice, the temperature wasn't dropping, the roads were clear, and they would be back home before dark. The coach should not be picking up the students himself nor should the players be carpooling. If the parents are able to "ok" the student getting to the school, this would be a VERY SMALL possibility so that practice would go on for those who could safely make it to the building.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kari, if the weather is too dangerous for school it is too dangerous for practice.
ReplyDeleteWe had this type of situation several times this year because of so much snow. There were many times when the main roads were clear, but the back roads were not (particularly after the sun went down and the temperature dropped).
ReplyDeleteTypically practice was held during daylight hours so students would be back home before re-freezing occured. I would think that would apply to this situation as well. Practice could be held during the day for those who could get there on their own. However, students living in outside areas wiht no ride, would not be penalized for not attending.
Ultimately, the most important thing is safety for students and coaches.
Before making any decisions, I would look at the forecast to determine if snow was still expected in the forecast, or if it were supposed to warm up, providing the snow a chance to melt. Depending on what was expected in the forecast would determine whether the students would have practice that day. The main concern is the safety of the students as they will need to drive to and from the school, as well as the conditions of the school parking lot, sidewalks, and entry ways. If the maintainence crew seems to have no way to clear enough paths or lots to have a safe environment for the arriving students, then practice would not be held that day.
ReplyDeleteI would look at the weather forecast around the practice time and make my decision. Sometimes, the weather holds and sometimes the weather conditions improve. It also depends on what type of school we are talking about. If it were a high school, I would say that most students drive as it is. However, if it were a middle or elementary school, then I might be more hesitant to cancel practice due to the age of the student and transportation issues.
ReplyDeleteIf the weather forecast showed that the snow had ended, there was no drifting and the roads were clear, it might be a good opportunity for the students to practice. Day hours are the best. If a student does not have transportation there will be no consequence for the student.
ReplyDeleteThe decision to cancel school is made early morning, so it is possible that the road conditions have changed. However, for me safety is always always first. So, I would check the weather forecast, road conditions with DOT, and note any other concerns expressed by parents/other admininstrators.
ReplyDeleteIf the forecast was good and the road conditions were clear then I would approve the practice. If either presented concerns, then the practice is cancelled.
Sherry Greer
Although sporting events and practices are definitely important to staff and students, decisions such as this one should be based soley upon our obligation to keep those students and staff safe. The weather forecast should be checked for further incoming storms and temperature drops. Student drivers with little experience should not be placed in a dangerous position. If temperatures are rising and no other weather is expected, a nonmandatory practice could be scheduled with no penalty for those not in attendance. This would give parents and students more freedom to make a decision.
ReplyDeleteI would take a quick drive around the area roads to check and see how the conditions are on the roads. I would also check the weather forcast to make sure that the storm had moved out of our school district and also would pay attention to any incoming storm systems that could threaten the safety of the students and staff. If and only if both of my conditions were met regarding roads and forecast, I would then tell the coach that students are only to come with permission from their parents. The parents should be notified about the practice and it is totally their decision if they believe the roads are suitable for their child or themselves to drive on. It will also be made clear that any student that is prohibited to come by his or her parents will not face any repercussions for not showing up at the practice since the school day was cancelled originally. The decision to practice will be that of the parents and the students rather than a forced practice scheduled by the coaches and administration.
ReplyDeleteMy response would depend on the time of the practice, the local weather forecast, and the condition of the roads around the school. If the weather forecast looked stable, practice was being scheduled during the day, and the roads were relatively clear around the school, I would allow the coach to have practice with the understanding that students who were unable to attend should not be penalized for their lack of attendance.
ReplyDeleteIf it's too bad to go to school, then it is my belief that it is too dangerous for players to be subjected to the hazardous conditions to come in to practice. They are after all in our care when on our property. NO SCHOOL RELATED functions would take place during such weather.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, this happens frequently. And since schools, 90% of the time, will also hold a scheduled event (even if school was canceled that day) we may not have much choice.
ReplyDeleteIf I were Principal, I would have a school policy that would not allow students or teachers on school property when school was canceled for the day - and that would include canceling a scheduled event (of any kind).
In reality, folks will come to school, so I would have a school policy that IF the school parking lots were plowed and the main streets to the school were plowed, practice could be held. The Activities Director would have to consult with the school operations director and also VDOT on road conditions, then contact the coach and let him know when the school would be available.
It would have to be that if a student was unable to get to the school, they wold not be penalized in any way for missing the practice (and we all know how that works at the high school level).
My initial reaction after first reading this case was “no school, no sports.” However, I strongly believe that a good administrator avoids making split-second decisions if at all possible. After reflecting for a moment and also after reading thoughts of other 635 students, I now considerable multiple plans of action to be “correct” in this situation. Depending on the age group of the players, some of the team may be accustomed to providing their own transportation to and from practice. Players driving to practice would present a two-fold problem: 1) Inexperienced drivers have most likely had little if any driving experience in adverse weather conditions. 2) How would parents feel about their children driving to practice? I also consider how “fair” it is to expect players to find a way to practice. Do parents have the means to bring the players to the school?
ReplyDeleteWith approval from the superintendent, I feel that it would be acceptable to offer an optional practice for the team if the road conditions were acceptable enough under the stipulation that no players would be penalized for not attending.
I too am enjoying reading the comments of others in this class; it is very insightful.
ReplyDeleteAs for responding to the question of to practice or not to practice - I believe that there can be protocol put in place for these decisions. I also believe that these procedures can be developed through collobration of stakeholders in committee meetings, but I would always reserve myself as the one responsible for making the final call. If there is a protocol in place, then those involved may know m,y decision before I make it due to the specific circumstances of the situation. This can eliminate hostile feelings from those involved.
With ice and schools being closed I agree with another 635 student that at issue is safety and whether the parking and school drives have been cleared. But I would also support the "no school, no go" policy too. As others have stated, the region's weather is the factor. I would also look at the other schools in the district to see if there is already in place a consensus as to protocol on these matters.
My response to the coach would be to say - let me make some phone calls to check out the perimeters we set forth in our protocol and get back to you. I would find out the emminent future forcast, the conditions of the roads, temperatures, etc., the conditions of plowed school sites, etc. Then I would call the coach back. I'll have no problems saying no, stay home, the safety of our children is too important to risk.
I would consider the following items; weather forecast, location of the school, number of students affected, and if the school would be open before I made my decision. My greatest concern is the safety of the students. If most students walk to school, I would be more agreeable to allow the practice to happen. Most students depend upon their parents or the bus for rides and this may not be feasible. If practice were still on, then students who are unable to make it because of the weather would not be penalized. If practice would be canceled, I would offer the option of a makeup practice later. There is a policy at my school that if school is canceled all school activities are too. I once had to reschedule an after school IEP meeting three times because of snow.
ReplyDeleteAs an administrator, we will be responsible for the safety of all students (ISSLC 3). I think that in most cases, practices should be canceled if school is canceled for that day. Because of the principal’s accountability and responsibility to protect students, it is better to ensure student safety than take a risk to have practice. Although I would investigate the weather forecast, road conditions, conditions of the school facilities, and transportation issues, I feel that in most cases practices would need to be postponed.
ReplyDeleteThe safety and security of the students, whether in school or as a part of extracurricular activities must be the main concern of the educational leader. After looking at the weather forecast and conditions at the time of when the coach asks to hold practice, I would determine if I could grant them permission to hold practice. Here are the conditions that I would stipulate: (1) the practice must not be mandatory (2) parents must determine if that feel comfortable/safe bringing and picking up students from practice (3) students should only come to practice if they can get there safely (4) if weather worsens, practice must immediately be canceled.
ReplyDeleteAs a current basketball coach, I know and recognize the liabilites that come with working with students in extra-curricular activities. At my current school, if school is closed due to inclement weather, then there is no practice! As a leader, I would tell the basketball coach that while I understand the reasons that he/she would like to hold practice, it would not be in the best interest of the students and their families. Transportation is always an issue because many students don't have rides to activities during the school day because of their parent's work schedule. Also, it would be a major safety issue to have the students try and come to practice with snow and ice on the road. I would tell the coach that as principal of a caring school, we will not jeporadize the safety of our students. If the coach fails to follow my lead, it would be a write-up for the coach.
ReplyDeleteIf it's too dangerous for school to be in session than it's too dangerous for extra curricular activities. I would tell the coach, "no", that we can't risk our students or their parents being out on the roads.
ReplyDeleteIf the roads are clear and the risk for more bad weather is over, then I would allow practice to take place. Students would not be required to participate, but have to option to attend if they have transportation and feel that it is safe for them to travel.
ReplyDeleteI would not allow practice to be held. We have to understand all our decisions affect many things to come. If I would allow this instance it would always come back when other groups wished to practice on days we didn't have school. I would need to stay firm to this policy.
ReplyDeleteWOW, this one has been some really interesting reading. When I played in the late 1980's and early 1990's, we practiced regardless of the weather. It did not matter if there was one inch of snow or one foot of snow, we practiced and ran our bottoms off if we missed. I coached for two years in North Carolina, and it was basically the same thing.I was the JV girls basketball coach, and if the Varsity coach practiced, I was expected to have practice. Therefore, I did! I have taught and coached in Wise County for the past seven years, and we have only missed practice 4 times because of weather, and 3 were this year. If school is off, we still practice. Usually when school is cancelled, it is early in the morning when the temps are still low, and the sun has not shone yet. We usually practice in the afternoon, so there is time for the roads to clear some, especially the main roads. As an administrator, its a different story. If I was the principal, I would evaluate the weather situation and the forecast. I would also check with the state and local police to evaluate the road conditions. I would then make the best decision for the school, students, and the community.
ReplyDeleteI would inform the coach that the game will be cancelled on days that schools are closed. If school is closed because of snow, many people will be endangering their lives by trying to be on the road to attend the game. If school was closed because of a holiday, some people may have scheduled to be out of town. This would include the families of the players. Either way, I believe school related activities should be cancelled along with school.
ReplyDelete