During the 2024-2025 school year, inclement weather days will result in a virtual instruction day. These are also referred to as AMI days. AMI stands for Alternate Methods of Instruction. This means that students will learn at home on that day, and the school day will not be made up later in the year. For students in the Virtual Instruction Program of Ray-Pec (VIPR), classes will continue as usual. Students who attend school in-person will attend classes online or have learning activities pre-assigned to them. 

Communication about inclement weather days

In the event of a virtual instruction day due to inclement weather, the district will use these methods to communicate effectively:

• Our Focus School Software service will be used to send a recorded telephone message to all employees and student families.

• A text message will be sent via Focus to employees and parents who have opted to allow SMS messaging. (Be sure that your contact information is up to date. Change requests in Focus.

• The Focus Community App will have a notification. Sign up for the Focus App here.

• All subscribers of RP Update, the district's electronic newsletter, will receive an email. Subscribe by sending a message to rp.update@raypec.org.

• Information will be shared with local television stations (4, 5, 9, and 41).

• An update will be available via the district information line at 816-892-3988.

• The announcement will be posted on the district website, Facebook page, Instagram, and via X (Twitter).

Timing of the announcement

The decision to implement a virtual instruction day will be made as early as possible - preferably the night before. Sometimes conditions change overnight. In the event of rapidly changing weather conditions, a weather announcement may be made on the day of the cancellation. In those instances, we will try to send make the notification by 5:30 a.m.

Elementary school activities

• In the event of a virtual instruction day due to inclement weather, all elementary after-school and evening events will be cancelled and/or rescheduled. 

Middle school activities

• In the event of a virtual instruction day due to inclement weather, all middle school events will be cancelled and/or rescheduled. This includes after-school practices and meetings, and evening activities.

High School activities

• Watch for separate notifications about high school events or activities. In some cases, those activities may continue as scheduled.

BOOST (Best Out Of School Time)

• In most cases, BOOST will be open to provide care to families who are already enrolled in those programs. On inclement weather/virtual instruction days, they will open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at one site - Raymore Elementary School. Note: BOOST could close earlier than 6 p.m. if weather declines/worsens throughout the day.

• When the district cancels in-person classes and calls for AMI (alternative methods of instruction), children will need to have their Ipad/Chromebook in order to log in and do virtual instruction with their teacher. You must communicate your student's virtual instruction times with a coordinator at drop off.

  There is a charge of $30 per child per day. This is not included in the no school day sign up or cost.  Space is very limited. Once the program hits the maximum student to provider ratio, they will not be able to accept any more children for the day.  You can call 816-892-1941 before you drop off your child to make sure there is room. This is the direct number to the site to see if we still have space prior to leaving your house.

If the District implements an unplanned early release, it is important to have arrangements for younger children. If you will not be available, please ensure someone is available to care for your child if early dismissal occurs. 

The decision to close school is always a difficult one. Every effort will be made to consider the safety of the students, the safety of the faculty, and the convenience to parents when making such decisions. Your cooperation, understanding, and assistance is appreciated. However, parents and guardians are in the best position to determine the safety for their students based on nearby conditions.

As temperatures drop, it is important for students to dress appropriately, and allowances for potential bus delays should be part of the planning process. Student drivers are encouraged to use parent or school-provided transportation when road conditions are less than ideal. If you have questions regarding school dismissal, call the building your child attends or the District Administrative Services Center at 816-892-1300.