During the Dell Rapids School Board meeting on Monday, September 8th, an update to the Dell Rapids Community Haven inclement weather policy was reported to the school board. According to Haven Director Jessica Ostwald, they have had many requests to be open more during inclement weather, and because of those requests, the school attorney had to be included in those discussions. Haven was then informed they cannot be open when school starts late, gets out early, or is cancelled due to weather. The Dell Rapids Community Haven program operates under the auspice of the Dell Rapids School District, therefore, Haven must follow the same guidelines as all school employees. The change to policy will take effect immediately.
Here is the new policy:
HOURS OF OPERATION
- Before School Program:
- Operates each day public school is in session starting at 6:45 am.
- If the Dell Rapids School District announces a “late start” on a particular day due to the weather or other emergency, the Before School Program will be closed.
- After School Program:
- Operates each day public school is in session until 6:00 pm.
- The After School Program will be open on all public school scheduled early dismissal days beginning when school is dismissed until 6:00 pm. (The after school fee for early release day will be determined based on the number of hours of operation.).
- If the Dell Rapids School District announces “early dismissal” due to inclement weather, the After School Program will be closed.
- The Haven Program will be closed on snow days.
- Administration may close program for severe weather or other emergencies. Parents will be contacted to pick-up their child as soon as possible.