Parents and community members are reminded to be prepared for school changes. Inclement weather conditions or natural disaster occurrences can cause school closures or a late start. 

Subscribe to FlashAlert to receive school closure/delay information via email and/or text.

Here are just a few reminders to help keep everyone safe and informed:

• Every effort is made to have information available by 5:30am
• When the decision is made, the information is listed on the district website, district Facebook and FlashAlert (you must register by clicking on the link). Local TV, radio and newspapers pulls information from FlashAlert. Parents will also be notified of a closure/delay through the phone messaging system and school newsletter.
• Parents and community members should be prepared for school changes. Each family should have a plan in place for their children.
• Limited Bus Routes are used throughout the year for snow, ice, or other situations that cause buses to alter normal routes. Always keep in mind snow routes/limited transportation may NOT be announced – light snow or unexpected ice may close roads without announcements. Visit the Transportation Page for more information.
• IMPORTANT! Always make sure schools have up-to-date phone numbers (home, work and cell) and email addresses for parents/guardians and emergency contacts. Please call the schools ASAP with any new contact information.

Communication methods:

1. District Website: The District will post school closure/delay information to the district website under the Emergency Info page. All emergency preparation information and updates will be posted here.
2. School Messenger: The District will send an automated phone message to the phone number that was provided by the parent(s). All closure/delay information will be sent using this messaging system. All district emergency notifications will be sent via school messenger.
3. FlashAlert: subscribe to flashalert to receive school closure/delay information via email and/or text message. FlashAlert allows you to receive information the same time the news media receives the information.
4. Facebook: “like” our facebook page to get updates, news, and information from the district.
5. Newsletter: You are strongly encouraged to subscribe to receive to the district newsletter .

MORE INCLEMENT WEATHER INFORMATION

School closure during a weather event
Our top priority is the safety of students and staff. Decisions are generally made in the early morning hours so that physical inspections of roadways can be made. Occasionally, conditions may be so bad that a decision will be made the evening before, but this is not typical because weather conditions can change so quickly. Issues such as temperature, power outages, downed trees, snow/ice in the forecast are considered during inclement weather decisions in order to help decide if schools should be closed, open late, or be on limited transportation (snow routes). After careful scrutiny and analysis, one of the following options is decided:

• Schools start on time
• Schools start on time with snow routes/limited transportation
• Schools start two hours late
• Schools start two hours late with snow routes/limited transportation
• Schools are closed
• Under special circumstances, the district may make a weather related decision that only affects specific areas within the school district.

How the decision to close schools is made
The district recognizes that school closures, or delays, disrupt family schedules and the school year may have to be extended. The decision to close schools is not an easy one. The process is complex and involves many people. The district geography is taken into account when the decision is made. One part of our area may be clear while other areas are struggling with several inches of snow.

To help make the best possible decision, district staff drive the roads beginning at 3am, checking schools and routes that are frequently impacted, and report road conditions to the district superintendent by 5 am. The District consults with neighboring districts regarding road conditions into Granite Falls and makes every effort to inform parents and the community by 5:30 am.

Emergency school closure during operating hours
In the event of an earthquake, utility failure, weather event, or another major event during school hours, the district will determine if it is necessary to close a school or the district. Parents will be notified of the closure through the messaging system the school uses. Staff will send a school messenger to all parents; the district will post information on its website, as well as through flashalert.net. The district office and Transportation Department will implement the emergency response plan when needed.

Family Preparation
Each family should plan in advance so everyone knows what to do if a child arrives home early due to inclement weather conditions; this plan should make note of alternate bus drops and who your child should call if school is dismissed early and you are not available.

Parents and community members are reminded to be prepared for school changes. Every effort is made to have information available by 5:30am.

IMPORTANT! Always make sure schools have up-to-date phone numbers and email addresses (home, work and cell) for parents and emergency contacts.

Bus Routes/Transportation–
Always keep in mind snow routes and limited transportation may NOT be announced – light snow or unexpected ice may close roads without announcements. It’s also important to keep in mind that because conditions can change so rapidly and vary from one area to another throughout the district, that some roads may be closed to school buses without notice. The rule of thumb for school bus transportation: if in doubt that the bus can make it up or down your road, assume it will not and send your child(ren) to the main road.

Parents always know the conditions in your own neighborhood best and are urged to use their judgment in sending children to school in severe weather conditions. And always make sure schools have up-to-date phone numbers (home, work and cell) for parents and emergency contacts. This is vital for communication during an major event.