Ponca City Public Schools (PCPS) officials wish to remind students, staff, parents, and patrons of the protocols for school closure notifications due to inclement weather.
Notification Timing & Verification
In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, the District will make every effort to announce a school closure by 6:00 a.m. on the day in question.
- The “No News is Good News” Rule: If you have checked the official district channels listed below and no announcement has been made by 6:00 a.m., please assume that school will be in session.
Official Notification Channels
The District will broadcast closure messages through the PCPS Mobile App as a primary method of communication. In addition, notifications will be posted on:
- District Website: www.pcps.us
- Social Media: The official PCPS Facebook and Instagram pages.
Media Partners
School closings will also be publicized via the following local and regional media outlets:
- Television: KFOR, KOCO, KWTV, KOKH, KJRH, KOTV, and KTUL.
- Radio & Online News:
- Radio: KQSN (104.7 FM), WBBZ (1230 AM), KLOR (99.3 FM), KPNC (100.7 FM).
- Online/Print: NewsOk.com, Ponca City Now, Ponca Post, Kay County News (Kay News Cow), and The Ponca City News.
The Decision-Making Process
The decision to close school is never taken lightly and involves a rigorous evaluation process beginning as early as 3:00 a.m. PCPS officials monitor weather warnings, reports, and radar data from the National Weather Service and local media.
Factors considered include:
- Road Conditions: Transportation staff physically inspect main thoroughfares and neighborhood streets to ensure safe passage for buses and drivers.
- Environmental Hazards: Beyond road conditions, officials evaluate temperatures and wind chills to ensure the safety of children waiting for buses or walking to school.
District staff will continue to closely monitor conditions throughout the season to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
