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Are your kids staying home from school today? With another winter storm hitting East Tennessee and Kentucky, many school districts are experiencing closures and delays. Icy roads and chilly temperatures have prompted officials to prioritize student safety by canceling classes or adjusting schedules. In this post, we’ll summarize the latest updates on school closings today as well as provide tips for parents navigating this inconvenient situation.
Significant Impact from Winter Weather
The recent winter snowstorm has left its mark, causing hazardous driving conditions in several areas. Many districts were forced to call off school or delay openings as icy roads presented a serious safety concern for students and staff. As the refreezing of snow continues, especially in rural areas, numerous schools across the region remain shuttered as a precaution.
Current School Closures and Delays
Here’s a consolidated list of school closures and delays in the East Tennessee and Kentucky regions for January 13:
- Closures:
- Anderson County Schools
- Blount County Schools
- Clinton City Schools
- Cocke County Schools
- Cumberland County Schools
- Grainger County Schools
- Harlan County, KY
- Hamblen County Schools
- Jefferson County Schools
- Knox County Schools
- Lenoir City Schools
- Loudon County Schools
- Monroe County Schools
- Morgan County Head Start
- Morgan County Schools
- Oak Ridge Schools
- Oneida Schools
- Roane County Schools
- Rogersville City Schools
- Scott County Schools
- Sevier County Schools
- Sweetwater City Schools
- Delays:
- Annoor Academy: Opening 1 hour late
- First Baptist Academy: Opening 1 hour late
- Tate's School: Opening 1 hour late
- Union County Schools: No evening activities
- Roane State: Delayed by 2 hours
In neighboring Rutherford County, officials have made the decision to close schools on January 13 due to similar concerns about road conditions. In a statement, they indicated that while the central office would remain open, staff living in rural areas could opt to stay home if their routes were unsafe.
Road Conditions and Safety Concerns
Rutherford County's caution stems from ongoing evaluations of road conditions, with multiple routes in rural areas presenting issues for school buses. Among the roads of concern are:
- Shady Lane
- Mt. Zion Road
- Lynch Hill off Hoovers Gap
- Oak Grove Road
- Shores Road
- Thompson road in Rockvale
- East Trimble Road
- Oregon Road
- Browns Mill
- Carlton Road
- Threet Road
- Manus Road
These closures underscore the importance of safety for students and staff, especially as the winter weather continues to affect travel conditions across the region.
What Parents Should Consider
As a parent, staying informed is crucial during these winter months. Make sure to:
- Check your local school district's website and social media channels for real-time updates on closures and delays.
- Prepare for alternative arrangements for childcare or supervised activities for your children when schools are closed.
- Encourage your children to stay engaged with educational activities at home, such as reading or online learning programs.
- Monitor weather updates and advisories to plan safe travel routes if you must venture out.
Conclusion
With winter weather continuing to impact school operations, it’s essential for parents and students to stay updated about school closures and the measures being taken to ensure safety. Remember that while these disruptions can be inconvenient, the health and safety of our children are the top priority. Keep checking back for updates as the weather evolves and stay warm!
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