Inclement weather

The safety and well-being of our students and staff are always our top priority, especially during challenging weather conditions. Whether it’s winter storms or extreme heat, we take careful steps to ensure that everyone stays safe. On this page, you’ll find important information about how we monitor weather events and what we do when conditions become unsafe.

Winter weather

Roosevelt Elementary in the snowSchool closures, delays and early releases are decided as early as possible on the day of the weather event.

Winter weather conditions may lead to:

  • Closure
  • Late start/delayed start
  • Early release

Making the decision

There are many factors that are considered when we decide to close schools or change the schedule. Before a decision is made, we consult with a meteorologist and closely monitor weather conditions. Crews also drive on roads in the different areas of the school district to assess road conditions. 

The decision to close schools or delay opening them is taken seriously, with the safety of students and staff as the top priority. 

Please be sure your contact information is up-to-date so you receive immediate notice of any changes to the schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Our goal is to announce delays and closures by 5 a.m. or as soon as possible in the event of an early closure. If a two-hour late start is declared the prior evening, we will attempt to announce by 7 a.m. the following day whether the late start will stand or schools will be closed entirely.

Generally speaking, only schedule changes will be announced. If no changes are reported, schools are operating on regular schedules.

If your child is a current student in the district and you did not receive a message that was sent out, it may be because your child’s school does not have your up-to-date contact information. Please contact the school’s office to confirm.

If you are signed up to receive FlashAlert messages, you may need to renew your subscription. This must be done every year.

  • Buses will arrive later than usual (e.g., two hours later than usual if there’s a two-hour late start).
  • No zero period for middle and high school students.
  • Before-school activities are typically canceled.
  • Breakfast will still be available.
  • If the late start day is also a one-hour early release Monday, students will still be released one-hour early. If the late start day occurs on a two-hour early release day, the two-hour early release will be canceled and school will be dismissed at the usual time. There may be exceptions in the case of snow makeup days.

  • Extracurricular and evening activities are typically canceled.
  • Building rental agreements are canceled.
  • The last day of school may be affected.

  • After-school and evening activities are typically canceled.
  • Elementary students who ride the bus or walk typically won’t be sent home until arrangements have been made with families.

Weather conditions vary across Southwest Washington, and one district may be more affected by bad weather than a neighboring district. Conditions can vary even within VPS, which spans 58 square miles.

Rental agreements will be canceled if schools are closed. To check on the status of a rental agreement, please call 360-313-4710 or email community services.

Hot weather guidelines

We typically follow guidelines set by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) to help us make decisions that keep student-athletes safe. The guidelines generally indicate:

  • If the heat index goes above 105°F: 
    • All outdoor practices and games will be postponed.
  • If the heat index is between 100 and 105°F:
    • All outdoor practices and events should be postponed to a time when the heat index is lower. 
  • If the heat index is between 95°F and 100°F:
    • All outdoor practices/events should be limited to 2 hours.
    • Events lasting more than 2 hours will be postponed or delayed to a time when the heat index is lower.
  • If the heat index is below 95°F:
    • All outdoor events can proceed as planned.

Student-athletes will be closely monitored, and water will always be available. Students are encouraged to drink as much water as they need.

Heat Index Chart

The table above is a listing of the calculated heat index values which match the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s table. The colors correspond to WIAA’s categorization (NOTICE, CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER).

School safety

How to get updates

How to find out

District and school websites

Information will be posted as soon as possible.

FlashAlert

Subscribe to receive messages.

Auto calls, emails and/or texts

Families will automatically receive messages if they have provided up-to-date contact information to their child’s school. Please contact your school if you are not receiving messages.

Info line

Call to hear recorded information: 360-313-1401

Instagram

Let’s connect on Instagram.

Twitter

Follow us.

Facebook

Like our page for updates.

TV, newspapers and radio

Local media may share information at their discretion.