Winter weather may impact school operations resulting in delays, early releases, and possible closure. Here is what you need to know and possible changes that may occur.
Decision-making
When winter weather is in the forecast, at approximately 2 a.m., designated transportation staff drive roads throughout the district to determine the ability to safely transport students. Our district has varying terrain that needs to be taken into consideration. Staff assess major and minor roads with anticipated weather patterns. Between 4 and 4:30 a.m., the Transportation Director and the Superintendent’s Office determines the feasibility of safely transporting students to and from school. When at all possible, decisions regarding school delays or closures are made by 5 a.m.
How We Communicate
The district communicates impacts to school schedules via the following:
• Automated phones calls, emails and text messages: Our automated parent notification system can rapidly alert parents of weather-related school closures or changes in start or dismissal times. In an emergency, the system is programmed to call and/or text the cell, home and work phone numbers of parents/guardians listed on the child’s enrollment card. For general non-emergency announcements, the system calls/texts the home number only. Make sure contact information is up to date and notify your school office of any changes as soon as possible.
• Website Alerts: In the event of an emergency or change to the school schedule, a pop-up notice will appear on the district and school webpages.
• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
• Local TV/radio announcements
Possible Changes
• Schools Open, Limited Transportation: Schools will operate and buses will stop at all regular stops with the exception of these routes. On these days, the bus stops linked here will not be serviced, resulting in students being picked up and dropped off at alternate bus stop locations. Families are encouraged to know if their child’s bus stop is on this list and prepare for inclement weather days in which bus transportation is limited.
• Closure: All schools in the Puyallup School District will be closed. No out-of-district transportation. No Right At School childcare. All full-day childcare and before/after school childcare is canceled. All after-school and evening activities are canceled unless otherwise noted. A school closure is a non-workday for school year only staff. Full-year staff are expected to come into work when safely able to do so, or report an absence if unable to work. Contact a supervisor with questions about individual work schedules. Monitor the web as changing weather conditions may continue to alter school operations.
• 2-hour late start (Monday only): All schools will begin 1-hour later than the regular Monday late start bell schedule. All before-school activities will begin 2-hours late. No AM or Extended Day Preschool. No AM Summit/IAES. Before school childcare programs through Right At School will operate 2-hours late, opening at 8:30 a.m. No breakfast; lunch will be served. No out-of-district transportation, including Everdriven, A&A, and Around the Sound. The district may also cancel after school activities, athletics and extra-curricular events due to inclement weather on a late start day. Continue to monitor the web as changing weather conditions may alter school operations.
• 2-hour late start (Tues.-Fri.): All schools will begin 2-hours late. All before-school activities will begin 2-hours late. No AM or Extended Day Preschool. No AM Summit/IAES. Before school childcare programs through Right At School will operate 2-hours late, opening at 8:30 a.m. No breakfast; lunch will be served. No out-of-district transportation, including Everdriven, A&A, and Around the Sound. The district may also cancel after school activities, athletics and extra-curricular events due to inclement weather on 2-hour late start days. Please continue to monitor the web as changing weather conditions may alter school operations.
Family Plan
Each family should have a plan covering what to do when children arrive home early due to an emergency or weather-related situation. Please develop a plan and practice it with your child. If you will not be home, instruct your child as to where they should go in the event of an early dismissal due to emergency conditions.
Right At School
Right At School will align operations with district decisions on closures, delays, or early dismissals. This alignment will eliminate confusion for families and ensure the safety of staff and students in the event of inclement weather.
Learn more about Right At School's inclement weather procedures.