DEAR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS,
Every year, it seems snow or severe weather conditions lead to the closure or late start of our schools, and we want to keep you updated about those decisions. The Olympia School District will inform you as soon as possible when school schedules change through our phone messaging system, through our website (http://osd.wednet.edu) or through our Friends of the Olympia School District email and text messaging notification system (you may sign up for this service on the District’s website). The District also provides regular updates through the Public Schools Emergency Communication System at www.schoolreport.org. We also encourage you to monitor local radio and/or television stations for up-to-date information about weather-related closures or delays. If school is open but you think it would be unsafe for your child to attend, school officials will accept your judgment and it will be treated as an excused absence.
The District will make every effort to operate normally, despite the weather. On rare occasions, however, weather conditions may make it necessary to modify bus routes, and, when that occurs, radio stations will be asked to announce the use of “snow routes” or “emergency routes.” Some of the emergency changes in routes are listed on the back of this sheet. At other times, weather conditions may require schools to close early. In that event, the normal busing sequence will be followed, that is, taking the high school and middle school students home first, followed by elementary students approximately one to two hours later. Please instruct your child what to do should there be an early school closure when you are not home during the regular school day. Parents are also asked to remind students to be especially careful when walking or waiting for a bus during bad weather.
It is everyone’s hope that weather conditions do not disrupt transportation and schools. Our most critical concern, however, is the safety and welfare of our students.
Sincerely,
Bill Lahmann
Superintendent
Please understand that many things factor into the decision to close or delay school. Our District exercises caution and overall safety for all 9,000 District students when determining if school should be canceled or delayed. The 80- square miles covered by our District are very diverse geographically, and what one family experiences outside their window can be very different from what another family on the other side of the District is experiencing. We have staff who drive the streets in the early hours of the morning to determine the safety of our routes. We appreciate your understanding and support.
