The decision to keep schools open or to close them during winter weather conditions is not a simple one, but it is made with one overriding factor in mind: the well-being of our students, their families and staff. It is a good idea to decide in advance how to best keep up with the changes, what childcare arrangements are needed, and how to adjust if schools closed due to inclement weather.
Please review the DPS 2023-2024 Process for Potential Weather Delays by clicking HERE.
Other detailed DPS winter weather and snow day information, including information on how families can find out if school is closed, can be found on the DPS transportation website or on the DPS announcements page.
During this time, if there is inclement weather where travel is dangerous, DPS will offer one snow day. If there continues to be an inclement of weather, students may go remote any day after the initial snow day.
Grade level teachers will communicate with parents and families on the learning expectations for the day, and we will always try to ensure that you receive communication for our school in addition to any communication from the district.
Please reach out to our admin team with any questions you may have.
When the weather is turning…
… here’s a reminder about what we do on Inside Days. Parents, guardians and students can assume that rainy, snowy, windy or exceptionally cold days (less than 20 degrees F) are Inside Days. This changes students’ arrival, recess, and dismissal in the following ways:
Dress Appropriately
Regardless of whether we are having an Inside or Outside day, students need to dress appropriately (e.g., coats, boots, mittens, hats, etc.). Students still need to be protected for the journey to/from home/school, as well as the playground, if the weather improves.
Parents of students who come to school unprepared for the weather will be contacted to determine whether the child needs additional clothing delivered from home or requires a donation from the WCE Coat Room.
During inclement weather, students should arrive at 8:00 am or later, unless they are eating breakfast at school. Upon arrival, students will be directed to go to their homeroom classrooms.
Morning/Arrival (New Times)
Please help remind your child where they should report when coming to school to ensure a smooth morning for both staff and students. On cold (below 20 degrees F), rainy or snowy days, children should dress appropriately and should NOT arrive at school until 8:45am, unless they are eating breakfast at school.
Inside Recess
An inside day means inside recess. Staff are assigned to supervise students in a variety of rooms. Please see the main office if you are looking for your child during recess.
Dismissal Procedures
Students who take the bus, attend Discovery Link or after-school enrichment programs, and/or need to pick up a younger sibling will follow the same protocol – dismissal at 3:10 pm. Students who are not picked up by 3:25 pm will be brought to the main office to wait for their parents.
Students will be dismissed at the following locations for parent pick-up (ECE 3:10 pm | K-5th 3:10 pm)
To minimize congestion in our hallways at these busy times, we ask that parents/families leave the building immediately after dropping off or picking up students. Thank you in advance for being prompt and leaving strollers and large items at home on these days.