Transportation FAQ

Staff from HSE Transportation will begin driving bus routes as early as 4:30 a.m. to evaluate area road conditions. Additionally, weather reports are reviewed from multiple agencies, including city and county officials regarding their findings during the early morning hours. The superintendent also gathers information from neighboring school district leaders to determine the road conditions in their respective areas. As soon as possible, the superintendent will determine if school will be delayed and/or closed. Several other factors go into the decision-making process, such as weather forecast, time of day, wind chill and expected road conditions.

HSE Schools will notify families and staff via ParentSquare by phone call, text and email. Official updates will also be shared in the following places:

• Website: www.hseschools.org

• Twitter: @HSESchools

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HSESchools/

• Local Media: Check your local station for information.

In Central Indiana, weather conditions can be highly unpredictable. Forecasts for snowfall, ice, or extreme cold don't always align with the actual conditions that would warrant a school delay or closure. This unpredictability is why we often refrain from making these decisions the night before.

By waiting until the morning, we can conduct real-time assessments of the weather and road conditions. Our dedicated team can drive the roads, ensuring that the decisions we make are based on the most accurate and up-to-date information. This approach prioritizes the safety and well-being of both our students and staff, as it allows us to make informed choices that reflect the current situation on the ground.

The District Calendar was approved with two, built-in ‘Flex Days’ to be used in the event of an emergency school closure.

• When this option is available, there will be no instruction for students. The first two school closures (depending on when they occur in the calendar year) will be made up on the subsequent ‘Flex Day(s).’

  • Monday, March 11, 2024

  • Friday, March 29, 2024

• If the ‘Flex Day(s)’are no longer an option, all PK-12 students will participate in asynchronous eLearning instruction in the event of an emergency closure.

If the days are not needed to make-up for lost classroom instruction due to a closure, students will not have school on those scheduled days (Monday, March 11, 2024 and/or Friday, March 29, 2024).

Teachers will have class assignments and content posted to Canvas no later than 9:00 a.m. of an eLearning day. If questions arise, students should email their teachers.

School counselors will monitor email for questions during an eLearning Day.

Students may complete assignments on any device using any internet connection available to them (friend’s house, library, etc.) Students should work with their teacher(s) for questions/concerns on when assignments would be due.

Canvas resources for students, including login information can be found here.

After-school student activities may be canceled when school is closed for the entire day due to inclement weather. However, we recommend visiting your school's website as well as looking for updates from coaches and/or club sponsors. They will provide specific information about the status of after-school activities, including any potential exceptions or rescheduling.

A two-hour delay may be implemented in response to various weather-related concerns, including but not limited to snow, ice, or extreme cold temperatures. This precaution is taken to address potential hazards associated with students being outdoors for extended periods. Additionally, two-hour delays are strategic as they allow time for our buses to operate safely, especially when temperatures rise later in the morning, reducing the risk of students waiting at bus stops in bitter cold weather. Furthermore, this delay provides road crews with the necessary time to plow and treat roadways.

During a two-hour delay, there are some key adjustments to the school schedule:

• Delayed Start: All school buildings will open two hours later than their usual time.

• Breakfast Service: Breakfast will not be served during a two-hour delay, but lunch will be provided as scheduled.

• Normal Dismissal: Students will be dismissed at their regular time, ensuring a consistent end to the school day.

• Preschool and HSF Academy: It's important to be aware that during a two-hour delay, AM Preschool classes and AM HSFA classes will be canceled for the day.

These modifications are made with the safety and well-being of our students and staff in mind, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during such situations.

During a two-hour delay, the bus pick-up schedule is also delayed by two hours. For instance, if your student's regular bus pick-up time is 7:00 a.m., it will shift to 9:00 a.m. when a two-hour delay is in effect.

The decision to implement a two-hour delay, rather than closing for the entire day, is rooted in our commitment to prioritizing the safety of students and staff. Simultaneously, it allows us to maximize instructional time throughout the regularly scheduled school year. This balance ensures that we continue to provide valuable education while taking necessary precautions in response to inclement weather conditions.

Each school district operates with different road systems, terrain features and municipal snow removal procedures. Furthermore, weather conditions can vary slightly between neighboring districts. At HSE Schools, we conduct comprehensive assessments of road conditions throughout our district, ensuring the safety of our students and staff. The final decision to delay or close school is made based on the specific conditions within our district's territory.

HSE Schools encompasses diverse road types and terrains, including areas with narrow, steep hills that can become impassable in certain weather conditions and rural regions where snow removal can be challenging. While your neighborhood may be drivable, it's important to consider that not all parts of the district share the same conditions. Our decision to delay or close school considers the safety of all students and staff across the entire district.

We strongly advise parents and teenage drivers to exercise extreme caution when driving in less-than-ideal weather conditions. While your specific neighborhood may experience slick roads, it's important to remember that weather conditions can vary throughout the district, and our decisions are made to prioritize the safety of all students and staff in every part of our district.