Emergency School Delays and Cancellations

Dear Baldwin‐Whitehall School Community:

The decision to delay or cancel school is based upon several factors, but ultimately student safety is of utmost importance and concern. Weather is unpredictable and conditions vary throughout our communities. In the event it is necessary to delay or close schools, the District has developed procedures to communicate this information to the public.

Information regarding weather and road conditions is obtained from several weather forecasts, Emergency Management personnel, District transportation and maintenance personnel, community road crews, and (as a resident) first hand evaluation. The decision to delay or cancel school will generally be made by 6:00 a.m. with evening calls no later than 10:00 p.m. While I realize that the morning notifications are early, especially for elementary aged households, it is critical that the decision and subsequent notifications be made prior to our buses leaving the garage and beginning their high school routes. There may be occurrences due to the nature or timing of inclement weather that the notification would occur after 6:00 a.m. or a delay be changed to a cancellation. Normally, if school is cancelled, all evening activities and permits will also be cancelled.

In the event of a school delay or closing, you will receive an automated notification from the District SKYLERT messenger system. Messages are sent out as a “general” message within the system. The SKYLERT system can be customized for the manner in which the message is received (i.e., email, text, and/or phone). Your caller ID will display “Baldwin‐Whitehall School District Superintendent’s Office” along with the District’s main phone number of 412‐884‐6300. Please update your contact information to ensure the notification system meets your family’s individual needs. Additional information regarding the SKYLERT system can be found on the District website under the “Parents” tab.

While the SKYLERT system is an excellent way to stay informed of the latest events within the School District, we will also utilize the following information sources for communication of delay or closing information:

The winter season in Pittsburgh can be a wonderful time of year; however the weather can also create harsh conditions that we must all prepare for. There will be times when temperatures are cold and roads may be snow covered but school will be in session. Please make sure children are dressed appropriately for the cold weather.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping all children safe.

Sincerely,
Randal A. Lutz, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

Translated Closing and Delay Information