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Mars Area School District

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Inclement Weather & School Closing Decisions

The decision to delay the start of classes or to close school because of inclement weather conditions can have a significant impact on Mars Area School District families. We understand that students are better served both academically and socially by participating in school. However, the safety of our students as they ride our school buses and drive to and from school is always the most important factor in any decision.

Note: Mars Area School District utilizes remote learning, which may be used in place of a school day when inclement weather or another emergency situation requires the District to close its school buildings. This school year, all Flexible Instruction / Remote Learning Days will run on a Two-Hour Delay with Modified Kindergarten schedule to better enable both teachers and students to prepare for the school day. Students and parents/guardians will be informed of a Flexible Instruction / Remote Learning Day through the District’s mass notification system in the same way that school closings and delays are announced.

When the decision is made to delay or close school, many factors are considered. On occasion, a weather advisory from AccuWeather Snow Warning Service or the National Weather Service may give advance notice of severe weather conditions that might affect the following school day, but in most cases a decision is not made until the morning hours before our schools open.

Regardless of weather forecasts during evening or morning newscasts, parents may find closing or delay information via the following resources:

  1. The District’s website — www.marsk12.org  
  2. The District’s Telephone/E-mail Notification System
  3. Radio & TV announcements on KDKA-TV and Radio, WTAE-TV and Radio, WPXI-TV, WBUT/LER Radio (Butler) and WISR Radio (Butler)

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding how School Closing/Delay decisions are made and how those decisions may affect you, click on the appropriate link in the right-hand column.