Story by Lydia Martin and Hannah Bruns
Kennedy plays Linn Mar tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 20, 2012 at Kennedy High School. There is a winter storm watch for Friday. According to KCRG.com, Linn County is predicted to get five to eight inches of snow on Friday.
In years past, the Kennedy vs. Linn Mar Men’s Basketball game has had a great turn out. It seems as though many students are worried the game will be canceled.
Aaron Stecker, Activities Director at Kennedy, does not think the game will have a big of a turn out. “In years past, both Kennedy and Linn Mar were top three teams so we had an outside interest from anyone who liked high school basketball.” Stecker said.
“If the game were to be cancelled, I would make an announcement to the school and also post it on the website kennedyactivities.com and I would also notify the news, like KCRG.” Stecker said.
The game would be cancelled due to winter storm warnings. “If the game were cancelled there are three or four make up dates set, we would chose the one that works best for both teams.” Stecker said.
The Cedar Rapids area is predicted to have a high of 14 for the high and minus 3 for the low according to KCRG.com.
The following statement in which Cedar Rapids Community School District Superintendent, Dr. Dave Benson commented on snow days, was posted on the school district website:
“As another winter season nears, the District is reminding families and community members of the process involved in making decisions about weather-related delays and cancellations.
“When extreme weather threatens, information is gathered from various sources, including city, county, and state agencies, meteorologists, and through personal inspection by school personnel. The Superintendent will decide whether schools will be open. Still, it is always a parent’s decision whether or not the child attends that day.
“’Student and staff safety is the overriding and deciding factor in determining whether to delay or cancel classes,’ noted Dr. Dave Benson, Superintendent.
“The District may delay start times when information suggests conditions will improve. When there is a two-hour school delay, all morning alternative kindergarten and morning STEP-UP Preschool classes are cancelled.
“When classes are cancelled, all pre-kindergarten through grade12 programs are included. Information about after-school activities on cancelled or early dismissal days should be obtained from the school office, coach, or advisor. As a general rule, elementary and middle school activities are cancelled.
“The District is reluctant to dismiss students early. Since school is a safe, supervised setting for children the District will make every effort to keep students in school with supervision until the regular dismissal time. If very dangerous weather (ice, blizzard, sub-zero temps) develops or unique circumstances (power outage) threaten student safety, however, early dismissal may be necessary. Early dismissal decisions are generally made by mid-morning. Dismissal times would be announced through the School Messenger system, e-alert system, District Web site, and local media.
“Parents should avoid calling the school or District office to ask about delays or closings. Instead, please refer to the sources listed below. Unless you see/hear an announcement, assume school is running as usual.”
