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Delays & Closings

If there is an important alert or weather notification, the information will be posted on the Pine-Richland School District homepage. 

In the event of an early dismissal, delay or cancellation, the district will notify parents via:

  • Rapid Call using phone call, email and text message
    Be sure to keep your contact information up to date in the Sapphire Community Portal.
  • www.pinerichland.org
  • Local television stations KDKA, WTAE and WPXI

Please note: once the information leaves Pine-Richland, we cannot control how it is broadcast on TV and/or radio. 

The district will use a rapid call in the event of an emergency and/or other major announcements.

Please call your child's school building if you think your information might not be current. We highly recommend home and cell phones to be included for emergency situations.

 

What if a two-hour delay is issued?

Bus pickup and school opening are delayed by exactly two hours. Lunch will be served. See the full schedule. 

 

What is the modified kindergarten schedule?

Morning Session: 11:20 am – 1:05 pm
Afternoon Session: 2:05 pm – 3:50 pm
 

What criteria does the district use to decide to delay or close?

Road Conditions
During winter weather, the superintendent consults local weather reports, the National Weather Service, and police reports. He also consults road crews and the bus company.

Temperature
The National Weather Service has criteria for each county in Pennsylvania for calling a Wind Chill Advisory. If the wind chill (combination of real temperature and wind speed) is -10 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in Allegheny County, the National Weather Service issues a Wind Chill Advisory. When there is a Wind Chill Advisory during morning pick-up time, and temperatures are predicted to rise during the day, school will be delayed. If there is a Wind Chill Advisory that will persist all day, then school may be canceled. Early dismissals for any reason other than an extreme emergency will be avoided if possible. If the forecasted wind chill is near the threshold, the district's standard practice is to wait until the morning for a delay or cancellation decision. A few degrees difference can impact the decision.  
 

How you can prepare

  • Have a plan in place should there be an early dismissal and your child is sent home on short notice. Although rare, early dismissals are a possibility due to weather or emergency situations. Now is the time to develop a plan with your child(ren).
     
  • Be sure your child knows and understands the plan (make it simple). Children will be sent home on their school bus if an unexpected early dismissal occurs. The district's rapid notification system will be activated in the elementary buildings if an early dismissal occurs. Be sure to save 724-625-7773 as a number that will not be blocked on your phone.
     
  • You may also check the website and/or TV stations for cancellations, delays and early dismissals.
     
  • Remember to have your children dress appropriately for inclement weather, especially frigid temperatures.
     
  • In winter months especially, students should bring their Chromebooks home every evening and be prepared for possible virtual learning days. 

Dressing for Cold Weather

During the winter months, we do hold outdoor recess for our students (K-6) when possible and conditions permit. To ensure your child's comfort, please plan for outdoor recess when preparing or assisting with your child's clothing and outerwear selections each day. 

Hats, coats, gloves and boots/proper footwear are encouraged to be sent to school with your child throughout the winter months. Students preferring to wear shorts year-round should be dressed appropriately for the weather and consider long pants.

Please apply the above information during the winter months for when your child gets on and off the bus and waits for the bus each day.