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Pullman Public Schools

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Transportation - Inclement Weather or Emergency Conditions/Events

Inclement Weather or Emergency Conditions/Events

A yellow school bus is parked in a snowy lot, with a stop sign visible.

Inclement weather or emergency conditions/events happen from time to time and may force a change in the school day which may affect the bus schedule. As routine is very important to our students, parents and community, the district will make every effort to adhere to the established school calendar and classroom schedules; however, the safety of students and employees is the highest priority. We have a process in place to make decisions about the school day and communicate this information to parents, students and staff.

Please remember that inclement weather or emergency conditions/events may affect the bus schedule and we ask that families be patient and understanding. Pullman School District will do everything in our control to provide accurate information regarding altered transportation schedules for your students.
 
Recommendation and Decisions

The Superintendent makes the final decision on whether the school day is changed (late start/early dismissal) or canceled due to inclement weather or another emergency condition/event. Depending on the type of emergency, this decision will be made with input from district employees and/or the appropriate agency; i.e. police, fire, utilities, etc.

When possible, decisions regarding school delays or closures due to weather-related issues are made typically by 6:30 a.m. Notification of changes regarding the school day may utilize any of the following: phone call, text message, email, local radio and television media, the district website and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). 

Messages you may see or hear include the following:

  • Schools are open.

  • In-person school and busses will run one hour late. Dismissal will be at the regular time unless otherwise announced. In addition to school running one hour late, the following will be in effect:

    •  District AM preschool programs cancelled
    •  Zero period and before school activities, programs, and clubs cancelled
    •  No breakfast program
    •  Rural bus routes will run on emergency routes.

  • In-person school and busses will run two hours late. Dismissal will be at the regular time unless otherwise announced. In addition to school running two hours late, the following will be in effect:

    • District AM preschool programs cancelled
    • Zero period and before school activities, programs, and clubs cancelled
    • No breakfast program
    • Rural bus routes will run on emergency routes.
       

  • On some occasions weather conditions may deteriorate during the school day and necessitate early dismissal of schools. Rural students will be returned to their homes only if there is adult supervision and/or a vehicle to receive them at the point they leave the bus.

    • Rural students who cannot be transported to their home will be returned to their applicable school where arrangements will be made for staying at their emergency in-town address.
    • In-town elementary students without parents/guardians at home will not be released until arrangements have been made for a baby-sitter and/or alternate supervision.

  • For school-specific emergencies (i.e. loss of power/heat), the district will follow the same decision process as listed above to determine if the school day will be canceled, delayed or dismissed early for that school.

If schools are closed for any reason for one day, they will be open the following day unless information to the contrary is announced.

 

Athletics/Activities

When schools are closed, district school activities, events and athletic games and practices may be postponed or cancelled.

 

How should you prepare for changes to the school day?
Every family should have a home emergency plan in place that can be put into action on short notice. Ensure that your children have an alternate place to stay if you must be at work on a day when school has been delayed, cancelled or dismissed early, Ensure that a neighbor, family member or care center is able to care for or receive students during a change to the school day. Instruct students to report directly home or to their established care center immediately after school.

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