School Closing & Delay Information

Inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances may cause us to close school or delay the start of school. We will make every effort to make an announcement by 6 a.m., whenever possible.

As soon as the decision to close or delay schools is made . . .

parents will receive an automated phone call at the primary number they have provided their child’s school for morning announcements of school closings or delays (unless they have opted out of this type of notification),
TV and radio stations will be informed, and
the information will be put on the district website and on Charter Communications channel 188.

Except in extreme emergencies where there is no doubt about the ability to hold school, announcement of closings and delays shall be made the morning of the day of closing/delay.

How is the Decision Made to Close or Delay the Start of School?

How do you know it’s a snow day? School officials get up early, use complicated, careful process in making the call (article by Lisa Ermak, The Holland Sentinel, 2/26/13)

Where to Obtain Information on Closings, Delays and Cancellations

Types of Closings and Delays & District Processes

One-hour Delay

When West Ottawa Public Schools is running a one-hour delay, the following will occur:

There will be morning Young Kinders and preschool classes.

When an attendance area is closed, there will not be transportation for that area. This will include West Ottawa special buses and internal transfer buses.

Zero hour and before-school assignments will be cancelled.

Two-hour Delay

When West Ottawa Public Schools is running a two-hour delay, the following will occur:

There will be NO morning Young Kinders and preschool classes.

When an attendance area is closed, there will not be transportation for that area. This will include West Ottawa special buses and internal transfer buses.

Zero hour and before-school assignments will be cancelled.

Early Dismissal

Should a weather emergency occur during the school day, we will continue in session unless it is determined by the superintendent that cancellation or early dismissal is advisable and can be carried out under conditions existing at that time. The following will occur if school will dismiss early (parents should have a plan for their children when no one will be at home upon their arrival from school):

Dismissal time will be announced.

Kindergarten children will be transported home on regular elementary bus runs.

The buses will pick up middle school and high school students and transport them home. The students should be home in approximately forty-five (45) minutes.

The buses will transport elementary students home approximately one (1) hour later. All elementary students should be home in forty-five (45) minutes.

If severe weather conditions arise after Noon, there will normally be NO early dismissal.

School Cancellation

NOTE: All non-athletic events follow the decision announced for athletics.

Practices

All middle school practices are cancelled.

Practices are strictly voluntary. The athlete’s safety of travel is the top priority. Any athlete who is not able to attend that day will be excused from that practice.

Games

All middle school games are cancelled.

The decision to cancel or play high school games will normally be made after Noon. However, every effort will be made to make that decision by Noon, whenever possible.

If the decision is made to cancel high school games, the following will occur immediately:

TV and radio stations will be informed, and
the information will be put on the District website and on Charter Communications channel 188.

Parents are encouraged to check these sources of information regularly.

Tornado Watch and Warning

Tornado Watch (severe weather conditions with tornado conditions present)

Students will not normally be sent home early.
School will remain in session with necessary precautions taken.
Students will be sent home at regular dismissal time.

Tornado Warning (immediate danger of tornado)

At no time during a tornado “warning” will students be sent home early during the regular school day.
Students will be kept in designated safety areas within the school building.
If a “warning” comes at regular dismissal time, students will be kept in designated safety areas until an all clear is given.
School will be closed or delayed whenever a “warning” is in effect prior to the starting time of school.

School Functions and Related Activities

After school activities will be cancelled whenever tornado watches or warnings are in effect. If an all clear is announced two (2) hours prior to the starting time of the activity, it shall meet as scheduled.
Parents should not call the school inquiring about tornado procedures during the period of a tornado watch or warning.
Parents should have a plan for their children when no one will be at home upon their arrival from school.
Safety areas for students and staff have been designated in all school buildings.
School facilities will always close when a tornado warning has been issued after school hours. If facilities are currently being used by a non-school or school related organization, they will follow appropriate safety procedures including proceeding to the designated safety area until an all clear signal has been issued.

Non-school Related Functions

When non-school related organizations have rented school facilities, those facilities will close during a tornado watch or warning.

How is the Decision Made to Close or Delay the Start of School?

Where to Obtain Information on Closings, Delays and Cancellations

Check the West Ottawa District Website

Watch News Media

Tune in to the West Ottawa Cable Television Access Channel

Listen to the Following Local Radio Station