Weather-related School Closure/Delayed Start Information

  • When assessing weather conditions, our first priority is the safety of our students and staff. Our administrative team reviews weather conditions well in advance and discusses road conditions and safety issues with a team of public works, weather, safety, and transportation experts. In some cases, staff test road conditions as well. We continue to monitor changing weather conditions and make every effort to finalize our decisions regarding weather-related school closures, delayed starts or early releases in a manner that provides families with sufficient time to plan accordingly.

  • When assessing weather conditions, our first priority is the safety of our students and staff. Our administrative team reviews weather conditions well in advance and discusses road conditions and safety issues with a team of public works, weather, safety, and transportation experts. In some cases, staff test road conditions as well. We continue to monitor changing weather conditions and make every effort to finalize our decisions regarding weather-related school closures, delayed starts or early releases in a manner that provides families with sufficient time to plan accordingly. 

    Please note that every weather-related situation is unique and our decisions, and the implications of those decisions on afterschool activities and programs, will vary based on the situation at hand. Below are general guidelines for weather-related closures, delays and/or early releases.

    Where to receive weather-related information 

    When significant weather events are forecasted, families can listen to local radio or television stations, or visit the stations’ social media/website channels for information about school closings/delays/early release. As soon as a decision is made, we also post banner notices on the main page of each of our DCE district and school websites concerning weather events, send Infinite Campus emails to families (families can also sign up for text/email alerts in Infinite Campus) and post notices on our social media platforms.  A list of those platforms is below:

    Two-hour delay procedures

    On days when the district implements a two-hour delay due to unsafe weather/travel conditions, the following take place:

    • All morning, 4K and Early Childhood classes are canceled.
    • Elementary school start time: approximately 10:40 a.m.
    • DCE Idea School and Odyssey Elementary start time: approximately 9:40 a.m.
    • DCE Middle School start time: approximately 9:20 a.m.
    • DCE Junior High start time: 9:50 a.m. 
    • DCE Senior High Start Times: 9:28 a.m.
    • For Adventure Care before school care, we open at 7:30 a.m. weather permitting.  If the start time is changed, we communicate with families regarding those changes.

    All buses will run on a two-hour delay as well. 

    School closure procedures

    When D.C. Everest schools are closed for the day, decisions concerning after-school events and activities (for example, clubs, athletic events, performances, after-school care, Boys & Girls Club and Adventure Care) scheduled to occur in our school buildings are dependent upon weather conditions. Please watch for notices in your inbox and on our social media channels and website for specific information related to these programs in the event of a weather event. 

    If weather conditions improve dramatically during the course of the day, DCE Senior High extracurricular/co-curricular activities may be held. In that case, the district will make an announcement via Infinite Campus emails, our website and social media channels. Coaches will reach out to student athletes as needed.

    School closes early procedures

    If students are at school and the schools need to be closed because of bad weather, families will be notified by email or text through Infinite Campus. In addition, the district will share the information on its social media channels, website and through local TV and radio stations. Afternoon Adventure Care is closed on days when schools are closed early. Elementary schools will refer to families’ emergency school closure forms that were completed at the beginning of the year. 

    If students are at school and the schools need to be closed because of bad weather, families will be notified by email or text through Infinite Campus.  In addition, the district will share the information on its social media channels, website and through local TV and radio stations. Afternoon Adventure Care is closed on days when schools are closed early. Elementary schools will refer to families’ emergency school closure forms that were completed at the beginning of the year. Parents should follow the established early transportation plan that was communicated with their school.
Image of a snowy road surrounded by snow covered evergreen trees

  • Events and Activities (for snow days and virtual learning days)

    When DCE schools are closed for the day, decisions concerning after-school events and activities (for example, clubs, athletic events, performances, after-school care, Boys & Girls Club) are dependent upon weather conditions. The district will include information about these events when notifying families about the school closure. If the weather improves, some activities or events may be held and parents would be notified. Coaches will reach out to student athletes as needed.