Weather & Delays

School Closures & Delays

When a Colorado snowstorm hits, our administrators drive the roads, monitor the weather, talk with Westminster public works, and check in with other districts before making the decision to close or delay school. We will let you know by 5:30 am if there is a change to the school day.

Communication

If there are any changes to school operations, families and staff will be notified as soon as possible through our regular communication channels:

Email, Text & Call
Social Media
News Outlets
Website

Update Your Contact Info

It is important for schools to have accurate contact information for all families and employees. If your phone number or email address changes, please share that information with your school's main office as soon as possible.

Delayed Starts

2 Hour Delays

Westminster Public Schools (WPS) has joined other Adams County school districts in adding a two-hour delayed start as an option on days when snowy weather conditions make for a dangerous morning commute. In the past, WPS closed the district and schools for the entire day.

On days where a delayed start is called, the formula is simple — add two hours to all bus and school start schedules, and dismissal times will remain the same.

“This is the ideal solution because it balances our highest priority, which is safety for our children with the desire to have students in the classroom every minute possible,” said Superintendent Dr. Gotto. “As in the past, we will coordinate with the other school districts in Adams County so we will have a unified message.”

See the guidelines for a delayed start to the right. As always, parents have the final say on whether they want their children to travel to school on inclement weather days.

VOLANTE COMIENZO RETRASADO

How will I be notified of a delayed start?

The decision to close schools or to open with a delayed start will be communicated as early as possible, but no later than 5:30 a.m.
If the decision is made for a two-hour delayed start, but worsening weather requires the closure of schools, an announcement will be made by 8 a.m.
As in the past, parents and employees will receive a phone call and email in the early morning. Information will also be shared with local TV stations and posted on the WPS and all school social media pages.

Program Impacts

School Start Times: All schools will begin exactly two hours after their normally scheduled start time.
Bus Transportation: Morning bus pickups will be delayed by two hours.
High School Students: Please check your school website for a modified class schedule.
ELC at Gregory Hill: Morning half-day preschool classes are canceled. Full-day preschool will begin at 9:15 a.m. Afternoon classes will proceed as scheduled.
F.M. Day Childcare: Programs will begin at 8:30 AM, and staff should report at 8:15 AM
Meals: Breakfast will not be served today; however, lunch will be provided as usual.
Field Trips: All extracurricular field trips scheduled for today are canceled.
Dismissal & Athletics: Afternoon dismissal and after-school athletic programs will maintain their normal schedules unless otherwise notified.

Employees

Maintenance, operations, and key auxiliary staff will report as directed to ensure facilities, parking lots and other areas are safe for school to open
Administrators will attempt to arrive as close to normal times as possible
Teaching staff will report one hour after the regularly scheduled start time
Non-teaching staff will report one hour after regularly scheduled start time
Schools will identify key staff to be on hand to provide supervision for students who are dropped off early by families
- Note: This will not be custodial staff, who will be needed to prepare the building for student and staff arrival.

When These Might Happen

Student Safety & Supervision

We have procedures in place to safely manage short-term power interruptions. If an outage occurs, students will remain supervised, secure, and cared for at school. Safety will remain our top priority at all times.

If conditions require a school closure, that decision will be made with student and staff safety in mind.

We understand that uncertainty can be stressful for families, especially during the school week. Please know that we are planning carefully, staying informed, and will continue to communicate clearly as the situation develops.

Remote Learning

Future Snow Days Will Include Remote Learning
Get The Most Out Of Remote Learning

Future Snow Days Will Include Remote Learning

Every moment of every day is valuable when it comes to student learning.

Teachers and students should be prepared for the possibility of remote learning by having their Chromebooks and materials with them at the end of the day.

Given the frequency of spring snowstorms, we must be ready for all possibilities and make the most of our technology which allows student learning to continue under all circumstances.

Your cooperation is appreciated. As we all know, nothing is more important than our children’s education and future.

If conditions dictate a two-hour delayed start, that remains an option