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School Closures and Delays Information

 

Cherry Creek Academy (CCA) follows the direction of Cherry Creek School District (CCSD) regarding weather related delays and closures.

In the event of a weather delay or closure, parents will be notified via the Blackboard Connect automated message system. Blackboard Connect messages are sent to phone numbers and email addresses registered in Powerschool. We will also post the notification on our CCA’s website, Facebook and Instagram.

When schools are closed:

  • Champions, our After-School childcare program is canceled.

  • All activities including sports and activities that are scheduled in-person at CCA are canceled.

When schools are on a Delayed Start:

  • CCA’s start time is delayed 60 minutes and classes will begin at 9:00 am for all students.

  • Drop-off for students will begin at 8:20 am.

  • Dismissal times will be the same as usual for all grade levels.

  • Champions, our After-School child care program will operate on a normal schedule.

  • After school activities will proceed as scheduled, unless families are notified otherwise.

Early Dismissal

If serious storm conditions or other emergency situations develop during the day, CCSD will monitor the situation and advise CCA as soon as possible of a decision to dismiss school early. When this decision is made, this information will be sent to parents via the Blackboard Connect automated message system as soon as possible.

Late Dismissal

In case of dangerous weather warnings or other dangerous conditions, CCA may hold students past their dismissal time for safety reasons. This information will be sent to parents via the Blackboard Connect automated message system as soon as possible.

Important

Parents are urged to make contingency plans for their child(ren) in the event of an emergency. Arrangements should be made for the child(ren) to go to a neighbor's house, or to have access to the home with directions for contacting a parent.

In no case will an elementary school child be released to a person without proper identification and clearance from the school office.

We understand that some parents may make a different decision for their families. If you feel the weather is too severe to send your child to school, please call your school's attendance line and let them know your child will be staying home. The absence will be excused.

Deciding delayed starts and snow days

Deciding whether to delay or close school when the weather gets bad sets into motion a careful, deliberative process that begins with the earliest predictions of bad weather.

The procedure for determining whether schools will start on time, be delayed, or closed is as follows:

  • The district receives ongoing weather forecasts from local meteorologists, AccuWeather, and NOAA
  • If snow is forecast, district Operations staff begin driving the district to clear snow and assess conditions overnight. They report conditions to the superintendent
  • The district contacts neighboring districts to share information and recommendations
  • The forecast is reviewed again
  • Before 4:30 a.m., the transportation director and facility maintenance leaders share information and discuss potential recommendations with the superintendent
  • The superintendent reviews all available information and makes the final decision by 5:30 a.m. Once the decision is made, it cannot be changed, even if the weather forecast changes
  • If a delay or cancelation is to be implemented, families will by notified via the Connect automated message system (phone call, text message, and email), typically by 5:30 a.m., notifications are sent to local media agencies, posted on the district and school websites, and on social media channels
  • In some cases, it is possible for the district to make a decision the evening before for a bad weather day. When that happens, families will be notified as early as possible

Because the Cherry Creek School District is 108 square miles, conditions may vary in different areas of the district, and even from neighborhood to neighborhood. What's more, decisions are based on predictions and conditions on the ground in the district before 5 a.m. We know that sometimes extreme weather conditions arise or worsen as students, parent and community members are already commuting.

We are committed to making the best possible decisions when it comes to closures and delays, and taking every measure to ensure the safety of our entire community. Our number-one priority is making sure that everyone is able to make it to school safely, and this goal steers every step of our process.

Weather Delay and Closure Line:

Parents can also call the Weather Delay and Closure Line: 720-554-4701