Emergency/School Closures
Weather and Closing Information
The primary method to notify all district employees, parents, and students of school closing/delaying is through our mass notification system in Blackboard. Notifications will be sent via text, email, and phone. The district communications office will also post a pop-up message on the homepage of our website, as well as push a notice through FFC8 Facebook. Television stations will also be alerted.
Staff and Families are encouraged to ensure that contact information is updated in the staff portal and parent portal.
Inclement Weather Procedures:
The weather in Colorado can vary widely from day to day and through different parts of the Colorado Springs region. District administration constantly monitors weather reports and road conditions when weather is predicted that could impact school operations. This data, in conjunction with information from the City of Fountain, Fort Carson, the National Weather Service, and neighboring school districts, is used to determine whether to run on a normal schedule, delay school start times, or close school. Such communication will be distributed as early as possible to all audiences.
Delayed Start Due to Inclement Weather:
During an inclement weather closure, teaching staff and students will not be expected to engage in remote or virtual learning.
All school and bus schedules will be delayed by 2 hours. Morning preschool would be cancelled.
Two Hour Delay Start Times:
- Elementary schools start at 9:30 a.m.
-Except Aragon, which starts at 9:20 a.m. - Middle schools start at 10:30 a.m.
- FFCHS starts at 10 a.m.
- Welte Education Center starts at 9:50 a.m.
-If delay is on a Tuesday or Thursday, FCCOA students will not report to school. - A.I.M. starts at 11 a.m.
- Preschool at Conrad/Weikel – no morning preschool, afternoon session starts at regular time
- NOTE: All schools end at the normal time
*The district respects that parents or guardians make final decisions concerning the safety of their child(ren). Therefore, if you believe that it is unsafe for your child(ren) to attend school due to weather or road conditions, please call the school to report that your child will be absent. The absence will be excused by the school and make-up procedures for missed schoolwork would be handled in the same manner as any other excused absence. Please consult your child(ren)’s school handbook located on the school website for more details on these procedures.
Weather Decisions for Fort Carson vs. FFC8:
Occasionally, Fort Carson and Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 will make different decisions with regards to weather and operations. If you have questions about whether or not CYS is open, more information can be found on the CYS Family and MWR website.
Emergency Closure Definitions and Procedures
- HOLD! In your room or area. Clear the halls.
- SECURE! Get inside. Lock inside doors.
- LOCKDOWN! Locks, lights, out of sight!
- EVACUATE! Location may be given. Police assistance to evacuate.
- SHELTER! Hazard and safety strategy.
- CONTROLLED RELEASE
- REUNIFICATION