Rockwood gets unexpected day off, implements new snow day procedures
On Thursday Jan. 2, much to the delight of students and staff, Rockwood cancelled school due to inclement weather, extending winter break by one day after a snowfall Wednesday night.
Although many were hopeful, it seemed as if Thursday would be the last day of winter break; the roads were not in bad condition and the snow had already started to melt. Rockwood was not going to cancel.
However, at approximately 6:45 a.m. Friday morning, Rockwood notified students and parents that school would be cancelled that day. Social media sites like Twitter and Facebook exploded with comments from students, many of whom assumed that school had been called due to the cold temperatures. The late notice for cancellations, however, suggested that there was another reason. School is supposed to be called at 5 a.m.
Early Friday morning after school had been cancelled, Rockwood posted an update on its website exclaiming that 20 First Student buses would not start, and 85 buses did not have properly working air brakes because of the frigid temperatures. The District stated that, despite parent frustration, it was imperative to cancel school due to student safety.
Later on Friday, Rockwood published another article on its website, describing the new procedures the District will follow regarding First Student and school cancellation.
The article stated, “Whenever the temperature is expected to be 10 degrees or below, the First Student staff will begin to start the buses at 1 a.m.,” which will give the District enough time to call school before 5 a.m. and avoid a problem like that on Friday morning.
Rockwood also said that First Student buses will use additional block heaters on some of the older buses in order to keep bus engines warm.
While it may be surprising that Rockwood already has three snow days under its belt, more cancellations could happen this coming week, with snowfall expected to accumulate throughout the weekend, with estimates as high as one foot of snow.
For more information regarding Rockwood’s previous snow days, new procedures regarding First Student buses and possible school cancellations due to inclimate weather, visit
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