Safety in L'Anse Creuse

At L’Anse Creuse Public Schools the safety of our students is our number one priority. We are using this opportunity to review and recommit to our district safety procedures. 

We have strong safety practices in place including the following:

  • Our emergency management plan has been in place and continues to be updated with local law enforcement and/or recommendations from the county, state and national authorities.
  • Each school is designed to direct all outside visitors to check-in with a staff member at arrival.  
    • All elementary and middle schools, as well as the Pankow Center, have a “sally-port” entrance.  
    • The high schools are staffed with personnel at the main entrance.
  • All outside visitors are required to sign in at the office at all schools.
  • All classrooms are equipped with telephones.
  • Radio-controlled walkie-talkies are used throughout the buildings.
  • All schools have security cameras inside and outside of the buildings capturing images of entryways.
  • Our district requires that each school routinely practice security drills throughout the year. Reviews of drills are used to revise and refine our practices.
  • There are 4 School Resource Officers providing support to the entire district.
  • Administrators and our School Resource Officers have forged a strong working relationship with local law enforcement officers and will continue to report unusual behaviors to maintain the safety of our students.
  • Buses are equipped with cameras.
  • All buildings are equipped with emergency generators.

We thank you for your continued support and assistance in keeping all of our children safe.  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your building principal.

Student and staff safety is our top priority, and we approach weather-related closures with careful consideration to minimize disruptions while ensuring everyone’s well-being. 

Please click here to learn more about snow days and how they're decided in LCPS. (ADA compliant version)

Please click here to learn more about other types of hazardous weather events and what families need to know.

Here are the key factors that guide our decision-making process:

  • Weather Forecasts: We monitor trusted meteorological sources to evaluate predictions of snow accumulation, freezing rain, ice, and extreme cold.

  • Road Conditions: Our transportation team assesses the safety of key routes, often driving them early in the morning. Safe travel for buses, staff, and families is a critical factor.

  • Temperature and Wind Chill: In extreme cold, safety is considered, and closures may occur if wind chills fall below certain warning thresholds.

  • Local Infrastructure: The status of snow removal at school buildings and parking lots is assessed to ensure safe access for everyone.

  • Timing of Weather Events: Snow or ice expected during morning or afternoon commutes increases the likelihood of closures or delays.

  • Collaboration with Neighboring Districts: We communicate with surrounding districts to share information and, when possible, align decisions.

We understand that weather-related school closings impact families, and we strive to provide timely and clear communication. By evaluating all these factors, we aim to balance safety and the importance of keeping students in school when conditions allow.


Snow Days (inclement weather) How they're decided in LCPS. How do we make our decision? Several factors go into making a “snow day” or “cold day” call, including: Information on current road conditions from our transportation and maintenance crews; conditions are monitored throughout the night, and again early in the morning by LCPS operations personnel. Amount of snow and ice accumulated. Duration and timing of the snow and/or ice event, and the duration of extreme cold. Temperature and wind chill (for safety of walkers and students at bus stops). Decisions are made while monitoring the duration of extreme cold, not just brief temperature dips. Student safety, including time spent waiting for buses and walking to school. School building conditions (electricity, heat, water). School parking lot and sidewalk conditions. Current weather conditions, along with predicted weather, but closures cannot be determined solely on predictions. The district uses the National Weather Service as the primary and most reliable source for weather information. Will buses be operational and running on schedule? Weather forecasts and collaboration with nearby school districts, particularly those in which we share services and programs. Who makes the decision? The superintendent makes the final decision based on the above factors, recommendations from our Operations Department, information from the National Weather Service, and in consultation with neighboring districts. How are parents notified? We send communication in several ways, as soon as the determination is made by the superintendent: An automated phone call/text message will be used to inform parents and staff depending on timing and urgency. An email will be sent to all parents and staff. All local radio and TV news stations. Social media: District Facebook page and Instagram. An alert will be posted on the District website. When is the decision made? Snow day decisions are typically made in the early morning hours, although sometimes closures are determined the evening before. In either case, we will notify families and staff as soon as possible to allow for proper planning. Are there snow days built into the calendar? The district does not include snow days in the calendar, but the State of Michigan permits up to six days for emergency closings. As a reminder, although the district does its best in this process, weather is unpredictable and no perfect decision exists. If you feel as a parent that it is not safe for your child to attend school, please know that you always have the option of keeping your child at home.