Cold Weather & Snow Policy

Updated February 2024

Importance of Cold Weather Policy

Excessive exposure to cold weather can cause illness and also dangerous conditions walking to and from school

Warning Levels

Reference websites

  1. Temperature - Accuweather Naka-u Realfeel https://www.accuweather.com/en/jp/naka-ku/218582/weather-forecast/218582
  1. Snow Forecast

https://www.accuweather.com/en/jp/naka-ku/218582/winter-weather-forecast/218582

  1. Emergency Forecast 

https://bousai.city.yokohama.lg.jp/

Actions

  1. Temperature below 7 degrees

Check temperature “reel feel”

Teachers are directed to hold lunch/recess indoors.

PE classes are to be held as usual.

  1. Temperature below 0 degrees or snow.

Check temperature “reel feel” and snow forecast

Teachers are directed to hold lunch/recess indoors.

PE classes held indoor (travel to PE facilities is acceptable)

  1. Heavy Snow “Advisory”

Check snow forecast and Emergency Forecast (reference 3/4)

School Open
Outdoor lunch / PE canceled (travel to PE facilities also canceled)

Students Recommended to Stay Home If Possible

Teachers/Staff - Working as usual, but be careful and check local conditions.

Absences will be marked as “excused”

  1. Heavy Snow “Warning”

Check snow forecast and Emergency Forecast (reference 3/4)

School Closed

Students Asked To Stay Home

Teachers/Staff - Working from home unless needed at school for essential tasks.

Absences will be marked as “excused”

 

Responsible People

The safety officer shall monitor weather conditions and if snow is expected in the area communicate with parents/staff following this cold weather policy. If the safety officer cannot monitor, the principal shall communicate with parents/staff:

Day Before Snow Storm Expected

The safety officer shall monitor weather conditions and if snow is expected in the area follow this cold weather policy.

5PM - Send a message to all parents/staff via Circle/slack assuring them that we are watching the weather and what to expect the next day

Morning of Snow Storm

6AM - check the forecast warning level for 6AM~4PM (school) and 3PM~8PM (afterschool)

6:30AM - Send a message to all parents/staff via Circle/slack with the maximum level expected and the action taken according to the level system

Day of Snow Storm

Each Hour - check the forecast warning level for 6AM~4PM (school) and 3PM~8PM (afterschool) and take action according to the level system.
If students are sent home, notify parents via circle and phone if needed or at risk.

If staff are dismissed early, notify all staff via slack.

Absences

No excused absences are given for only cold weather.

If transportation is delayed due to snow, excused absences are given.


School Office Contact Details

Should you have any attendance or cold weather  related questions, feel free to contact us any time.

Reception - 8:30AM~3:30PM
Phone - 090-9546-1074

Email - hello@zoeinternationalschool.com
Circle - Zoe International School