Inclement Weather Information

The well-being and safety of our students is always our top priority as a school district. As you know, Oklahoma is experiencing record-breaking high temperatures. As the Summer heat persists, we want to remind everyone of our procedures relating to heat/inclement weather.

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Athletics

We partner with Perry Weather to monitor wet-bulb temperature and have specific guidelines in place for outdoor activities. All coaches adhere to these guidelines for the safety of our student-athletes.

What is "Wet Bulb" Technology? "Wet bulb" technology involves the use of a specialized thermometer, known as a wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) sensor, which takes into account various factors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and solar radiation. This data helps us determine the level of heat stress and guides our decisions on whether it's safe to practice outdoors.

Athletics & Activities Hot Weather Practice Protocols:

• WBGT Monitoring: Our Athletic Trainer uses the WBGT sensor to monitor the conditions on-site before and during practices. This data is regularly communicated to our coaching staff and Athletics and Activities administrators to make informed decisions about practice adjustments or cancellations.

• Practice Modifications: Based on the WBGT readings, our coaches may modify practice schedules, intensity, or duration to ensure the safety of our athletes. Practices may be moved to cooler times of the day or shifted indoors when necessary.

• Hydration Emphasis: Staying hydrated is crucial during hot weather practices. We strongly encourage athletes to take regular hydration breaks. Coaches remind athletes to drink water throughout practice.

• Communication: Coaches will remain in close contact with our Athletic Trainer to ensure that all decisions are made with the best interests of our student-athletes in mind. In the event of any practice changes due to weather, students and parents will receive notifications through each team's preferred communication platform.

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Recess

MPS has guidelines in place that limit outdoor recess under certain circumstances, and each school principal monitors the heat index daily to help keep our students safe. The MPS Student Handbook states: “Children should be dressed appropriately for outdoor activities. Outdoor activities such as recess will take place unless there is inclement weather; wind chill of thirty-two (32) degrees or less, or heat index of 100 degrees or more.”

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Transportation

We know these hot and humid days can impact our students who travel on school buses daily. All MPS buses have white-tinted roofs that research shows help reduce the temperatures inside of the bus by about 10-17 degrees. All special needs buses are equipped with air conditioning units, as are our two buses that run between Mustang High School and Canadian Valley Technology Center. In addition, twelve of our forty-two regular daily route buses are equipped with A/C.  These newer A/C-equipped buses would not be possible without the generous support of Momentum23 Bond voters.  Future bonds will equally focus on climate-controlled transportation options to better meet the needs of our patrons.

As not all buses are so equipped, the MPS Transportation Department prioritizes those A/C-equipped buses to the longest routes in the District, meaning those non-A/C-equipped buses are running the shortest routes possible. We also focus on running the most efficient routes so that time on buses is limited as much as possible, and drivers will open windows and emergency hatches to help with ventilation. Lastly, all schools in our District are working to keep dismissal/loading times as short as possible to ensure buses move as quickly as possible.

Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to be refilled at school before afternoon bus routes. All MPS sites are equipped with bottle fillers to help aid in this endeavor. In addition, please discourage your child from wearing a sweatshirt during these record-breaking hot days. If they bring a sweatshirt to school, please encourage them to remove it for the ride home. 

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School Buildings/Facilities

The vast majority of our facilities are experiencing indoor temperatures within an expected range, given the record heat we’ve been experiencing. We want to thank our Heating/Ventilation/Air-Conditioning (HVAC) and Licenced Trades teams for doing such a great job of keeping our systems up and running. These teams are constantly monitoring indoor temperatures at every school site/facility, and if an issue presents itself, they work quickly to address/repair it to ensure a comfortable learning environment for all. 

-Information Updated 8/22/23

Mustang Public Schools stays in touch with the National Weather Service in Norman and receives regular briefings. School officials also monitor weather reports on local news stations.  

Once school is in session, we will not release buses early. There is too much danger in having young children at home with no adult present. If we need to hold buses to ensure the safety of our students, we will. As always, if you are uncomfortable with approaching weather, you can check out your child. Please be aware of the individual school’s policy on pickup if you are arriving close to the actual dismissal time. Should the outdoor warning sirens sound, children will be sheltered in the building and the front doors to the schools will be locked so our staff can get to shelter as well. 

Should impending weather mean a cancellation of evening activities, the district will do the following:

• Staff will be notified via email;
• Families will be notified first via the Mustang Public Schools App followed closely by a call from School Messenger, the district's automated calling system.
  • School Messenger has the ability to phone every student's household within 20 minutes in the event of an emergency;
• Families will receive an email with details;
• Local news stations are contacted; and
• The information is also posted to the district website and social media accounts.

For small events, individual coaches or sponsors may communicate with their parents directly.

Mustang Family,

In Oklahoma, the cold months typically present us with some difficult decisions about school closures. Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we understand the impact that weather-related closures can have on families. The decision to close schools and what type of day to call (distance/remote learning, snow day, etc.) is never made lightly. It involves a thorough assessment of numerous factors to make the best possible choice for our school community.

Our decision-making process considers a combination of weather forecasts, road conditions, collaboration with other local school districts, and recommendations from local authorities. Leading up to any weather event, we are in close contact with meteorologists, transportation officials, and emergency services to gather the most accurate and up-to-date information. Additionally, we consider the ability of our school buses to navigate roads safely, the condition of school facilities, and the overall safety of travel for students and staff.  This is further complicated by the sheer footprint of our seventy-two (72) square mile District that encompasses everything from rural farmland to cozy neighborhoods.  

We understand the inconvenience that school closures may cause families, and we strive to make these decisions as early as possible to allow for adequate planning. Please be assured that our primary concern is the well-being of our students and staff, and we weigh the potential risks and challenges carefully before making any closure decisions.

In the event of a school closure, we will communicate the information through various channels, including our email/phone/text messaging system, official school website, social media platforms, and local news outlets. It is essential for families to stay informed and be aware of these communication channels, especially during times of inclement weather. 

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these challenging situations. Your safety is our utmost priority, and we will continue to do our best to make decisions that prioritize the well-being of our Mustang school community.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our district office. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in keeping our school community safe.

Sincerely,

Charles Bradley, Superintendent
Mustang Public Schools  

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Further Details

When inclement weather is approaching, school officials begin driving the district as early as 3 a.m., evaluating the conditions on Mustang's roads and bridges. By 5 a.m., they make a determination about canceling school.

When school is canceled early in the morning:

• Staff will be notified via email;
• Families will be notified by a call from School Messenger, the district's automated calling system.
  • School Messenger has the ability to phone every student's household within 20 minutes in the event of an emergency;
• Families will receive an email with details;
• Local news stations are contacted; and
• The information is also posted to the district website and social media accounts.

If inclement weather persists and classes for the following day are canceled in the evening, we will repeat the above contact procedures.  If no push notification, email or automated call is received, school is in session.

In the event of Distance Learning, for students that receive services under an Individualized Education Program or IEP, please refer to the approved Contingency Plan outlined in your child's most current IEP for services during the distance learning day.

Recess

MPS has guidelines in place that limit outdoor recess under certain circumstances, and each school principal monitors the heat index daily to help keep our students safe. The MPS Student Handbook states: “Children should be dressed appropriately for outdoor activities. Outdoor activities such as recess will take place unless there is inclement weather; wind chill of thirty-two (32) degrees or less, or heat index of 100 degrees or more.”

Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Severe thunderstorms are possible. A thunderstorm is severe if winds gust to at least 58 mph, and hail 1″ or larger falls. Tornadoes can also occur. Watches typically cover larger areas and last 6 hours. Be ready to act if a warning is issued.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Severe weather has been reported. Warnings indicate imminent danger. Take shelter. A warning is typically in effect for 30 to 60 minutes and usually covers a county.

Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Watches typically cover larger areas and last 6 hours. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is near your area.

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or radar indicates it is likely to occur. There is imminent danger to life and property. Take shelter. The warning is typically in effect for 30 to 60 minutes and usually covers a county, or part of a county.

Flash Flood Watch: A Flash Flood Watch is issued when the potential for flash flooding exists. Usually these are issued when abundant, heavy rainfall is expected from thunderstorms, especially if the ground is already near saturation. Flash Flood Watches are sometimes issued if there is a possibility of a dam failure as well. Watches typically cover larger areas and last several hours.

Flash Flood Warning: A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a rapid rise in small creeks and streams is expected. Flash Flooding or mudslides are expected or occurring. The warning is typically in effect for 2 to 3 hours and covers a county.