As those first few flakes of snow fell last month, signaling the beginning of snow day season, Pocahontas County students would rush to the phone and dial 304-799-6500 to see if school was closed for the day. Now that number has been disconnected.

The board of education has upgraded to a new system that calls each parent, at home and at work, and all employees of the school system when school is closed for a snow day, two-hour delay or emergency.

The system, SchoolMessenger CommSuite will contact everyone within five-to-10 minutes of the decision to close school.

Superintendent C.C. Lester explained that if only one school is closed or lets out early, only the parents for that school will be contacted.

Parents at Hillsboro Elementary School were the first to receive calls, when they were contacted about a play to be presented at the school. Superintendent C.C. Lester said the system was very successful and was received with enthusiasm by the parents.

Lester reported at the LSIC meeting at Marlinton Elementary School that the system will go live this week and parents can expect a test-run call to ensure every student's household in the county receives a call.