Inclement Weather Procedures

Delay or Closure Decisions

Snow and ice are a reality at Green Mountain School, and deciding whether to close or delay is one of the most difficult calls a superintendent makes. It requires balancing student learning with safety, while relying on imperfect forecasts that don’t always reflect our unique microclimate. The decision must be made before 6:00 a.m., when bus drivers arrive, and is further complicated by our connection to three high school districts, which may or may not close on the same day. Above all, safety is our top priority—but if we closed every time snow or ice was possible, the school year would stretch into July. Families who feel conditions are unsafe always have the option to keep their students home, and those absences will be excused.

Notice of Delays or Closures

Green Mountain School provides notice of closures through multiple channels:

  • School Messenger is a service we use to deliver a variety of school-related messages. Messages usually go to parents/guardians via text message, voice message, and email. To receive text messages, you must opt-in to the system by texting “yes” to 68453. You will receive a confirmation email.
  • Flash Alert (www.flashalert.net) is an information system used by schools and other agencies, and is our conduit to the news media. You can subscribe to email alerts through Flash Alert.
  • TV and Radio stations pick up our Flash Alert news feed, and usually run lists of closures.

Delayed openings are typically two (2) hours late, so school will start at 10:20 a.m. Bus times will be two hours later than for a regular start time. High school transportation will be based on the high school district’s delay or status. If our district is closed and the high school district is open, you will need to contact that district for transportation status.

If a decision to delay opening for the following day is made before 7:30 p.m., notice will be made that night. For morning decisions to delay or close school, notice will be made as early as 6:00 a.m.

If conditions change, an initial delay notice may be upgraded to a closure.

Emergency Early Release

We will rarely dismiss school early for weather, but if road conditions are deteriorating quickly it is a possibility. Parents will receive School Messenger notices. If there is not a parent at home, students will be kept at school until parents can pick them up.

Lunch Service

On days when school opening is delayed for inclement weather, students must have a sack lunch from home. This is because our school lunches are prepared by another district, and must be ordered by 9:00 a.m. On days when the Woodland District is closed and we are open, the menu may be changed.