Weather and air quality
How changing conditions affect schools
The safety of students and staff is a top priority in our decision-making.
Parents are always encouraged to consider the conditions in their neighborhood and their child’s needs in determining whether to keep their child home from school during adverse conditions. Absences are excused when a parent or guardian contacts the school within three days. It is the responsibility of the student or parent to arrange for any makeup work.
Winter weather conditions
Inclement winter weather may result in the following:
- Closure
- Late start/delay
- Early release
Making the decision
School closures, delays and early releases are decided as early as possible. Before deciding, we consult with a meteorologist and closely monitor weather conditions. Transportation crews begin driving in different areas of the school district to assess road conditions. The decision to close schools or delay opening them is taken very seriously. The safety of students and staff is a top priority.
Air quality
Poor air quality may result in the following:
- Indoor P.E. classes
- Indoor recess and sports practices
- Extra ventilation measures in school buildings and on buses
- Other schedule and/or operational changes such as closures, late starts/delays and early releases
Additional accommodations may be in place for students who have health conditions such as asthma, respiratory infections, heart and lung diseases or diabetes.
Making the decision
Before making any changes to school operations, we consult local and regional sources including Airnow.gov. The safety of students and staff is a top priority.
Extreme heat
In most cases, schools will continue to operate during periods of extreme heat. Most VPS schools have air conditioning.
Older schools that do not have air conditioning will be flushed with cool air early in the morning. Staff will distribute fans as needed.
High temperatures also may result in the following:
- Indoor P.E. classes
- Indoor recess and sports practices
-
Canceled or rescheduled sports practices and contests
Additional accommodations may be in place for students who have health conditions that may be affected by the heat.