·        BRRRRRRR! Weather forecasters predict the first snowflakes may not be far away, so please take the time now to get familiar with our emergency weather procedures. Your purple Emergency Transportation Bulletin should have arrived in your mailbox last week. This brochure outlines bus-stop changes that occur when the District announces “snow routes” as well as how school closures and delays affect before- and after-school programs.

 

And when you awake at 5 a.m. in a winter wonderland, how will you know whether schools are closed or delayed? There are many ways! Check your local television or radio stations—you can even sign up to receive the same Issaquah alerts that feed the media this information. Check your e-mail inbox for a District and school E-News message. Check the District’s homepage. Check for an updated message at the District’s main phone number, 425-837-7000, or your school’s main number (in case of power outages, it’s wise to have at least one phone that is not electric). If all else fails—such as in the case of a major windstorm—your school will also post a notification on its main entrance doorway.

 

The District tries to make closure and delay decisions as early as possible. Our transportation department begins driving the roads before 4 a.m. after a snow or ice storm. However, winter weather can be unpredictable from one hour to the next—especially in a 110-square-mile District—so continue to check for closures right up to the time your student walks out the door if there is any question about weather conditions.

 

Here’s to a safe and fun winter season!

 

·        Interested in what happened at this week’s School Board work-study session to discuss elementary facility options? The complete podcast and all of the handouts are available online. Board members asked for more information, and they will continue the discussion about the future of Clark Elementary and the planned 15th elementary school on the Sammamish Plateau at the regular business meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the Administration Building, 565 Holly St.

·        Do you know an outstanding student, teacher, or volunteer in one of our Sammamish schools? If so, nominate them for a City of Sammamish Sammi award. Categories include: Arts, Courage, Learning Promotion, Youth Advocate, Unsung Hero, and Teen Spirit.  Nominations forms are due by December 10. The ceremony will be March 8 at Skyline High School.

·        Forget that novel you’re in the middle of—curl up in your easy chair with another riveting read: The District’s 2007-08 budget. The state has just released the official document, which is posted online. For the easy-to-understand Cliffs Notes version, check out “A Guide to Understanding the 2007-08 Financial Plan.”