News District weather protocols & processes

 

The weather outside may be frightful this winter, so it's important to be familiar with district protocols and processes in the event of inclement weather.

All students and parents are responsible for making arrangements to attend school and should plan ahead so that they can travel to and from school safely. This includes allowing extra travel time, checking transit schedules and routes to plan alternative transportation if needed, and wearing weather-appropriate footwear to avoid slips and falls.

Please note: If your school is open but you do not think the road conditions are safe, it is up to you as a parent to decide if you should keep your child at home. Please inform your school if this is the case. Student absences under these circumstances will be excused.

Given the varying weather conditions across Surrey, a variety of factors are considered before a decision to close schools is made. The district takes the following steps in deciding whether to delay opening or close schools due to weather:

• Designated staff members travel predetermined routes to assess conditions at school sites.
• A recommendation to close schools or cancel buses is discussed with key district personnel, as well as neighbouring school districts. Student and staff safety are always our top priority.
• A variety of factors are taken into consideration, including road, sidewalk and parking lot conditions, and issues such as power outages and other emergent matters.
  

A decision to close schools or delay openings will be made by 7 a.m.. Except under extreme circumstances, all schools and offices in the district will remain open if at all possible. Typically, no announcement will be made that schools are open. Only cancellations, closures or delayed school openings will be announced.

Weather-related closures and delayed openings will be communicated via:

• Website: www.surreyschools.ca
• Twitter: @Surrey_Schools
• Facebook: SurreySchools
• Instagram: surrey_schools

For more information on weather-related closures, please see our district fact sheet (or click on the image above).

If you have any questions or concerns about safe travel to and from school, please talk to your principal.