September 10, 2026
Dear Families:
As we enter the months of inclement weather during the 2026-2027 school year, Marion County Schools is releasing information so that our families may proactively plan for any weather-related interruptions that may occur. As we continuously monitor weather conditions throughout the day and night, it is our commitment that families be made aware of changes in our school operations as soon as possible.
Families can depend upon MCS to notify the public of snow days, delays, or "Climate Control Days" related to weather by 8:00 PM the previous night or by 5:00 AM the day of the delay or cancellation. These notifications will be made through the MCS app, our social media, and local media outlets.
In the coming days, please expect more information from your child's school about the schedule for two-hour delays. This information will be posted on your school's website, school newsletters, and/or the school's social media. A few reminders for two-hour delays county-wide: When there is a two-hour delay, all students will observe the two-hour delay. Dismissals at the end of the day will occur at the regular time. Morning transportation to Marion County Technical Center (MCTC) will not occur; however, MCTC will proactively provide work for students to complete during this time at their home school.
On occasion, West Virginia school districts may cancel school due to weather or emergency conditions and utilize non-traditional methods of instruction for a maximum of five days while continuing instruction. In Marion County Schools, this is called a "Climate Control Day." Students will receive instruction outside of the traditional learning setting through conventional paper packets, USB-saved material, downloads to student devices, or print resources. Staff will physically report to our schools on these days to assist students who do not physically report to school. In the coming days, your child's school will distribute information about where the
"Climate Control Day" resources can be located and how they will be provided by the school. Schools may utilize Google Classroom to make materials available to students. Considerations will be made for students who do not have internet connectivity. These materials, for a cumulative total of five days, will be provided to families no later than October 2, 2026.
The instructional materials provided will align with the state content standards and follow the county's grade-level curriculum maps in the core content areas of English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies for all teachers' assignments. Lessons may contain problem-based learning activities, product-based learning, and critical-thinking skills. Students will not be expected to know new information in these "Climate Control Day" activities. Students in MCS will have two days upon returning to school to submit their assignments.
When the superintendent calls a "Climate Control Day." extracurricular activities will be permitted on their regular schedule. No practices or games will occur prior to the end of the school day. Students will also be offered a meal between the hours of 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM at each school where it is safe enough for families to be on the roads. Students may have access to a backpack program and meal collaborations in communities in advance of a calamitous occasion.
It is our sincere desire to continue instruction with interruptions lessened as much as possible, but we understand that the weather can be unpredictable. On days when Marion County Schools are closed due to snow, ice, or emergency situations, all extracurricular activities and evening activities at schools shall be cancelled. After the second consecutive cancellation day, it may be permissible to hold practices upon recommendation by the principal and approval by the superintendent.
Sincerely,
Dr. Donna Heston
Superintendent