{"id":1591,"date":"2016-08-02T02:49:49","date_gmt":"2016-08-02T09:49:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/?page_id=1591"},"modified":"2023-02-28T08:42:15","modified_gmt":"2023-02-28T16:42:15","slug":"weather-procedures-snow-routes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bellinghamschools.org\/families\/school-day-information\/weather-procedures-snow-routes\/","title":{"rendered":"Weather Procedures and Snow Routes"},"content":{"rendered":"

What does it mean when \u201csnow routes\u201d are in effect?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A snow bus route (or snow route) is a modified bus route that generally runs on main roads rather than side streets or through neighborhoods. Driving a school bus in some areas may not be possible during severe weather. If snow routes are in effect, students must catch their bus at alternate stops.<\/p>\n

Please review the weather communications carefully to determine if snow routes are in effect for the morning only or for the morning and afternoon routes. Depending on where you live, a snow route may or may not be necessary. It is the responsibility of families to know if they live on a snow route. Bus drivers may also remind students if they live in a snow route area.<\/p>\n

Families of young children are reminded of the Return Home Plan<\/a> communicated with them at the start of the school year. The same information and plan applies for a snow route. Please make arrangements to ensure the safety of your child at snow route stops.<\/p>\n

How can I find my snow route?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Depending on where you live, you may or may not have a snow route. If schools are on snow routes pick up times will vary.\u00a0To find your snow route, visit our Snow Routes webpage<\/a><\/strong>. Transportation will make individual arrangements for students who receive specialized transportation which do not follow the snow routes.<\/p>\n

How can I be notified of school closures or delays?<\/strong><\/p>\n

To receive email and\/or text alerts you need an email address and cell phone number in Skyward. We send updates through our notification tool, ParentSquare<\/a>, which receives phone and email contact information data from Skyward, our student information system. Even if you have not activated your ParentSquare account, you will still receive notification as long as your contact information is up to date in Skyward.<\/p>\n

How are decisions made?<\/strong><\/p>\n

We closely monitor the weather. Most often, decisions are made in the early morning rather than the night before so that the most current weather conditions and forecasts can factor into the decision.<\/p>\n

We recognize the impact on family schedules and will communicate any decision as quickly as possible. In the early morning hours (typically beginning at 3 a.m.), staff drive main roads and side streets throughout school district boundaries to assess driving and walking conditions. Information is compiled and reported to the superintendent, who will make the decision \u2013 based on the best available information at that time \u2013 to close, delay and\/or run buses on snow routes. We understand these decisions disrupt family life and appreciate your patience during these severe weather situations. While we know that our students and families are best served when we are open, our top concern is the safety of our students and staff.<\/p>\n

Will some schools close or delay while others remain open?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Generally, no.<\/p>\n

Our school district is made up of about 100 square miles. Road and walking conditions usually vary widely from one neighborhood to another. This makes for a difficult decision on whether to close or delay school and\/or use snow bus routes in all or only parts of our community. The decision whether to close or delay applies to all schools so that it will be easily understood and equitable for all students, staff and families. In rare circumstances when an emergency such as a prolonged power outage affects only a specific area, schedule changes may be needed for that school or set of schools.<\/p>\n

How can I get weather\/emergency information?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Any changes to the school schedule are usually announced before 6 a.m., and we use\u00a0a variety of methods to keep\u00a0families\u00a0informed:<\/p>\n