Inclement Weather
Plan Ahead
Delays, Cancelations
When inclement weather comes our way, Franklin Community Schools is ready. There is nothing more important than the safety of our students. So FCS has a plan that is executed every time there is consideration of school being delayed or closing due to weather conditions.
In the event of a two-hour delay, schools will start two hours after the normal start time. This also means that the bus routes will run two hours after their normal start times.
What to Know
When Bad Weather Arrives
Communication with parents is a very important part of the process when the decision is made to delay or cancel classes. Here are ways to find out if school has been delayed or canceled.
ParentSquare - An automated message is sent out as soon as a decision is made. If you are not receiving this notification or if you need to change your contact information, please contact your specific building office.
Social Media - Follow @myfcs on X or Franklin Community Schools on Facebook to receive the most up-to-date information on delays and closings.
Media Outlets - Check any of these television stations and websites: RTV 6, WISH 8, WTHR 13, WXIN 59 or radio stations and websites WKKG 101.5, QMIX 107.3, Korn Country 100.3, WCBK 102.3 and Z99.5.
Each winter season, several questions are posed regarding cold weather and how the decision is made to delay or close school. FCS appreciates you sharing questions and concerns. If you do not see an answer to your question below, reach out to us via email, Facebook or X .
Q. Why was FCS not on a delay today with temperatures of -1 to -2 degrees?
A. FCS uses -10 degrees, which includes wind chill as a threshold for two-hour delays. The superintendent examines several weather-related websites related to the temperature beginning the evening before and again throughout the early morning. Bus routes begin near 6 a.m. The reason that the threshold is at -10 degrees is to make sure the school buses have time to warm up and to provide sunlight. The decision will be made by 5:30 a.m.
Q. Will the bus arrive later since it is cold out?
A. If there is no delay, the school will run on normal routines. Honor the normal schedule for bus stop times, school start times, etc. If a school bus is going to be delayed for an extended period, an automated phone call will be sent.
Q. If I do not think it is safe to send my child to school, will they get in trouble?
A. If you feel it is unsafe to send your child to school, please notify your child's school so that their absence may be recorded and your child will be able to make up any missed work.
Q. Since it is so cold, does my child have to wait at the bus stop?
A. Students should be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before his/her scheduled pickup time. During inclement weather, please watch for the bus and do your best to be at the stop when the bus arrives. Please note: Do not wait inside the home for the bus to stop. If the bus driver does not see anyone at the bus stop, he/she will continue driving.
Q. What about the students with no gloves, coats, hats, etc.?
A. Students or parents should reach out to their guidance counselor. There are supplies to assist these students to keep them warm.
Q. I saw on a news station (or received a text) stating that Franklin Schools was on a delay/closed/etc.
A. Always use the information received via ParentSquare. The information is also posted on the FCS social sites. We appreciate the news stations relaying information on behalf of the school; however, many schools have the title Franklin in them, which can cause confusion.
Q. What if I am not receiving ParentSquare messages?
A. Please make sure that your child’s school has the most up-to-date contact information on file.
Q. What are the other county schools doing?
A. Each morning when inclement weather is pending, all local superintendents gather on a conference call at 5 a.m. to discuss common boundaries and current road conditions in each respective district. The final decision for Franklin Community Schools will be made before 5:30 a.m.
Q. The weather did not seem that bad in my neighborhood, why did FCS delay or close?
A. The FCS district covers 112 square miles with no walking zones. Some areas may be affected differently than others.
Q. Does anyone from FCS go out to assess road conditions?
A. Yes, at least four members of the FCS Administration/Operations staff travel to the different areas of the district to assess road conditions. In addition, information is gathered from local authorities regarding road conditions.
The Cub Care program will not operate if school is canceled due to emergency weather situations or mechanical failure. Listen to your television and radio news for information on school closings/delays.
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Two-Hour Delays: Cub Care will follow the two-hour delay schedule and open at 8 a.m.
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Emergency Early Dismissal After the School Day has Begun: If school is canceled after the school day has begun, Cub Care will not be provided that day.
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Cancellation Days: Cub Care will not be provided.
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eLearning Days: Cub Care will not be provided.
Cub Academy
In the event of a two-hour delay, Cub Academy will not have morning daycare from 6:45 to 8:30 a.m.
Preschool will start at 8:30 a.m. and resume the normal preschool and daycare hours.
In the event that it is an eLearning Day or that school is closed, Cub Academy is closed.
Developmental Preschool
In the event of a two-hour delay, there will be no morning (AM) Developmental Preschool.
Afternoon (PM) Developmental Preschool will begin at its normal time - 11:45 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.