Threatening weather such as snow, ice, or fog, which may occur during the school year can disrupt the normal school schedule. This can be most apparent during the winter months. Winter weather can create conditions which require schools to be delayed or cancelled. Every effort is made to have school at the regular starting time whenever possible, however the safety of students and school personnel is our first priority. The Superintendent and the Transportation Department normally make decisions for school closing and/or delay at 5:00 AM or earlier.  A telephone message will go out to parents and staff as soon as possible. School closing information is available beginning at 6:00 AM from the following radio and television stations:

WMFD- Channels 3, 5, and 8

School closings and delays are provided as a public service by the above radio and television stations. The stations and the school request that you listen to the broadcasts rather than phoning for any information.

WHEN SCHOOLS ARE "DELAYED" TWO (2) HOURS: 
Classes will begin 2 hours later than usual. Morning Preschool will begin at 10:30 am and afternoon sessions begin at 1:30 pm.  St. Francis and Celeryville School students will also be on the same delay unless the individual schools give notification. The PCTC school bus will depart our building 2 hours later than originally scheduled. Dismissal for all schools will be at the regularly scheduled times.
 
CLOSING SCHOOL: 
Delaying the opening of school provides additional time for school personnel to remove snow and ice from the roadways and sidewalks. If weather worsens while schools are on a delay, it may become necessary to close school, provided a closing had not been originally called. When schools are closed due to a weather calamity such as snow, ice or fog, the Willard City School district including St. Francis and Celeryville will remain closed for the day. There is no bus transportation to Pioneer Career and Technology Center in Shelby. Most often Pioneer School will also be closed for the day. If PCTC were to be in session, Willard students are not required to report and are excused for the day. Student athletes are NOT required to attend any practice. Should an athletic practice be conducted, athletes should only attend with parental permission. Obviously, the school will not provide transportation.

A FINAL NOTE:
During winter it is not unusual for school buses to run later for student pick-ups. Conditions of roads and visibility can delay the bus from arriving at the appointed bus stop on schedule. Every effort is made to adhere to the normal transportation times but safety of the passengers is the prime consideration. Students are still required to be at the bus stop prior to the arrival of the school bus. Buses will not wait for students if they are already behind schedule. When a bus is late to school, students are excused for the time and are not counted tardy to school.