WOODBURY: The determination of school closings or delays is based on a number of factors, William Freddie Curtis, Director of Cannon County Schools (CCS), said.
1. Actual Road Conditions: What is happening now. When there is a threat of winter weather, CCS Transportation Director, Lisa Black, will contact Cannon County E-911 Central Dispatch. They know the conditions based on sheriff’s deputies, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Cannon County Highway Department, as well as bus drivers and spotters throughout the county. Then the call is made to close or delay. A CCS Bright Arrow message will be sent out to recipients who have signed up, as well as to Cannon County media and Nashville TV stations.
2. Forecast for the Day: CCS personnel will look at the National Weather Service forecast for the day to determine if anything is going to move in and what temperatures are forecast. The NWS Nashville Office website is https://www.weather.gov/ohx/ (opens a link in a new tab). CCS personnel will check the forecast for weather that could change during school hours. Each school is equipped with a weather radio that receives severe weather alerts.
3. Surrounding Counties: CCS works with directors of schools in surrounding counties regarding weather conditions that could spread to Cannon County.
A Reminder regarding closings and delays:
CCS closed: This means all school activities are cancelled. A CCS Bright Arrow message will be sent to recipients who have signed up, Cannon County media and Nashville TV stations.
High school, middle school, and elementary school sports cancellations are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on road conditions. Cancellation of sports events is made by the Director of CCS with the CCHS principal, CCHS athletic director, CCMS principal, CCMS athletic director, and elementary school principals.
Two hours late: This occurs if CCS personnel need more time to make a determination to close or that conditions will improve to have school. If school doors open regularly at 7 AM, then they will open at 9 AM. If a bus normally picks up a student at 6:45 AM, the bus will pick up the student at 8:45 AM. If the school bell normally rings at 7:30 AM, it will ring at 9:30 AM. If a teacher has bus duty and normally reports at 6:55 AM, they would report at 8:55 AM. CCS may close if weather conditions worsen; so just because CCS are two hours late, things could change. A CCS Bright Arrow message will be sent to recipients who have signed up, Cannon County media and Nashville TV stations.
One hour delay: This is seldom used. If CCS are going to be delayed, it will usually be for two hours.
Other weather related delays: Sometimes CCS could be delayed upon leaving school or may dismiss early to avoid severe weather. This is handled on a case-by-case basis and a CCS Bright Arrow message will be sent to recipients who have signed up, Cannon County media and Nashville TV stations.
How to sign up for CCS Bright Arrow alerts:
1. Go to: http://www.ccstn.net/ (opens a link in a new tab).
2. Go to: “News and Announcements.”
3. Click on: Bright Arrow – Sign Up for School Closure Information (opens a link in a new tab).
4. Click on: To sign up for school closure information notices, click here for BrightArrow Self-Signup (opens a link in a new tab).
5. Enter an email address and a password.
6. Enter a first name, last name, login password, login password verification, cell phone company, email, and press “Apply, OK,” or “Test.” A complete page will appear, depending on what was selected.
7. Alerts from the Director of Schools regarding closures for weather and other CCS information will be sent to the email address provided.
8. To unsubscribe, log in using your password and select “unsubscribe.”
Previous sign-ups to CCS Bright Arrow alerts that have not been receiving messages may have been “opted out.” To reinstate CCS Bright Arrow alerts, text the word “yes” to 87569. If the alerts are still not received, go back to step 1 and create a new account.
“Our number one priority is to keep our students and staff safe, and I pledge to always err on the side of caution,” said William F. Curtis, Director of CCS.
Contact William F. Curtis, Director of CCS, at (629) 201-4801, extension 10101, or at williamf.curtis@ccstn.net for information.