The Plum Borough School District's first priority is the safety of our students and staff. Decisions involving weather-related school delays, cancellations, and remote learning days are taken very seriously.
The district recognizes that schedule changes can affect family childcare arrangements, work commitments, and daily routines. We also understand that families may have differing opinions about when schools should close or operate on a modified schedule.
District decisions are made using the information available at the time, with student and staff safety remaining the primary consideration.
Families are encouraged to keep their contact information current in Sapphire and follow official PBSD communication channels for announcements about school delays, closings, and remote learning days.
1. How School Delay & Closing Decisions Are Made
When weather or other conditions may affect normal school operations, PBSD evaluates the information available before making a decision.
The district considers the safety of students and staff while recognizing the impact that schedule changes may have on families.
Possible schedule changes include:
- School Delay: The start of the school day is delayed.
- School Closing: Schools are closed for the announced day.
- Flexible Instructional Day (FID): Students participate in remote learning rather than attending school in person.
Families should follow the specific district announcement for the day to determine whether school is delayed, closed, or operating through remote learning.
2. Flexible Instructional Days (FID)
When PBSD announces a Flexible Instructional Day (FID), the district refers to it as a remote learning day in its communications to mass media outlets.
During a remote learning day, students complete learning activities from home using Google Classroom.
Review the district's remote learning information and instructions.
View Remote Learning Information →First Flexible Instructional Day
Under the district's existing FID guidance, students participate in asynchronous learning through Google Classroom.
Asynchronous learning means students access and complete assigned learning activities without attending a continuous live online class.
Second Consecutive Flexible Instructional Day
Under the district's existing guidance, the second consecutive FID transitions to synchronous learning.
Synchronous learning involves live instruction or scheduled online learning activities as directed by the student's teachers.
The existing district procedure states that synchronous instruction continues on subsequent consecutive FID days until students return to school.
Students and families should review district announcements and instructions from their teachers for the learning expectations applicable to each remote learning day.
3. Flexible Instructional Day Allowance
The district's existing guidance states that PBSD received approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to use five (5) Flexible Instructional Days.
If all five FID days are used during a school year, any additional required make-up days will be identified and communicated by the district.
FID schedules and instructional expectations should be confirmed against current district guidance for the applicable school year.
4. How Families Are Notified
PBSD uses several communication resources to share information about school delays, closings, and remote learning days.
PBSD District App
Families are encouraged to subscribe to the district and their student's school through the PBSD District App.
Access the PBSD District App →
Automated Phone Notifications
The district uses contact information maintained in Sapphire to support automated phone communications.
Families should keep their phone numbers and other contact information accurate and up to date.
Open Sapphire Community Web Portal →
Local News & Media
District delay and closing announcements may also be available through local news and weather outlets.
District Website
Visit the district website for available announcements and information.
District Social Media
Families may also follow district announcements through PBSD's social media.
5. Preparing for Delays & Closings
Families can prepare for potential schedule changes by taking a few simple steps:
- Keep family contact information current in Sapphire.
- Subscribe to district and school updates in the PBSD District App.
- Enable supported app notifications.
- Know where to find official district announcements.
- Ensure students can access Google Classroom if a remote learning day is announced.
- Review any instructions provided by the district or individual schools.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
How Will I Know If School Is Delayed or Closed?
Check the PBSD District App, district website, automated communications, and the district's identified local media outlets.
What Is a Flexible Instructional Day?
A Flexible Instructional Day allows students to participate in learning from home rather than attending school in person.
Where Do Students Access Remote Learning?
The district's existing guidance directs students to Google Classroom. Students should also follow instructions from their teachers.
What Happens If Multiple FID Days Occur Consecutively?
The existing district procedure calls for asynchronous instruction on the first day and synchronous instruction beginning with the second consecutive FID.
What If I Am Not Receiving District Notifications?
Review your contact information in Sapphire and confirm your district app notification settings.
7. Need Assistance?
School schedules and district announcements: Contact your student's school office for questions about district communications or school schedules.
Technology or remote learning access: For technical assistance accessing Google Classroom or district technology resources, contact PBSD Technology Support.
Severe Weather Delays & Closures – Additional FAQs
Plum Borough School District provides an additional FAQ resource addressing weather-related Flexible Instructional Days (FID), school delays, and closures.
Review the district's frequently asked questions about severe weather-related school delays, closures, and remote learning days.
View Severe Weather Delays & Closures FAQ →Was this article helpful?
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