Announcements

There are several ways families can get the latest information on Snow Days and weather-related school closures.

School Closure Process

During severe weather, Denver Public Schools may close schools for the entire day.  The decision to close is made by the Superintendent based on information provided by representatives from transportation agencies, the weather bureau, the highway district, city and county law enforcement agencies, and the district's transportation department, which check roads and monitor information throughout the night and early morning hours.   

The decision to keep schools open or to close them during winter-weather conditions is made with one overriding factor in mind: the well-being of our students and their families.  Our schools serve tens of thousands of children who come from low-income households. Schools are not only vital places of learning for those students, but they also provide nutrition, health care, counseling and support services. Whenever possible, DPS strives to keep schools open during extreme-weather conditions.

In severe winter weather situations, school leaders must consider both education and safety in their decision making. The toughest call involves a weather pattern that includes heavy snowfall. The safety of the students is the primary consideration in the decision to close the school. We must be concerned with the youngest students who ride school buses as well as the most capable of our driving teenagers.  In addition, the ability of CDOT to plow all of the streets traveled by buses and children as well as the ability of our maintenance staff to clear each school site has to be factored into any decision regarding closings.  In some cases, public streets are unable to be cleared until the following day. It is also important to remember that weather and street conditions can vary greatly within the boundaries of Denver. 

Watch News Media

If the decision is made to close school, the Communications Office will immediately notify local television and radio stations, which will broadcast regular announcements of school closures or delays. You can also visit theDenverChannel.com, 9News.com, kdvr.com and denver.cbslocal.com. Notifications in Spanish will be made on radio newscasts on 1150 AM, 1280 AM and 1090 AM.

Check DPS Website Regularly

Emergency school closures will be posted on the district's homepage immediately. DPS employees should check their e-mails regularly. Families can also track announcements to close or delay school via the district's Facebook and Twitter pages.

Closure Hotline

A message denoting the closure or late start will also be left on the school district's closure hotline at 720-423-3200.

Transportation

During bad weather, the Transportation Services Department will provide the required transportation. However, services may be modified to ensure student safety and welfare. Traffic conditions may require students to spend additional time enroute to special activities or programs. 

School bus drivers participate in a comprehensive training program which includes preparation for driving in inclement weather and adverse conditions like wintry weather. Drivers conduct a daily pre-trip inspection of their buses before they go on their route. School buses are also designed to provide maximum safety every day, even in extreme weather conditions. In fact, school buses are the safest way to get to and from school; nearly 10 times safer than walking to school and as much as 13 times safer than traveling in a passenger vehicle, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

How Parents Can Help 

Below are additional winter weather school bus safety tips for students:

-School bus staff will be dispatched to get a head start on routes to eliminate students waiting on buses longer in wintery months.  "Safety is our first concern and priority"! We will always work to have buses run on time.

-In the PM "Safety is our priority"! As temperatures drop and roads may become ice, causing a delay in arrival times of students.   

-Students who walk to or wait at school bus stops should dress appropriately for cold, icy weather. Proper outerwear includes warm coats, gloves, hats and waterproof footwear.

-Stay alert! "Stop, look and listen" is so important for school children. Hoodies, headphones and portable electronic devices can distract students from paying attention to surrounding traffic.

-Students should never run after the bus. Plan ahead and allow sufficient time to get to the bus stop. Be at the stop waiting for the bus. As the weather gets colder, the temptation to wait inside until the bus gets there is stronger. Please remember, when we wait on your student to run out of the house to get to the bus, the bus falls behind on the route and it forces all of the other students on that route to wait in the cold.

-Passengers should wait for the bus to stop completely before approaching the bus to get on or before standing up to get off. Always use caution when stepping on or off the bus and wait for the driver's signal to cross in front of the bus when loading and unloading.

- Remember the "Danger Zone" around the bus. Loading and unloading is the most dangerous time when riding the bus. Staying out of the danger zone will help ensure the driver is able to see you and make loading and unloading safer.

-Parents and students should check the school web page or local media for school cancellations or delay information.

On mornings when the weather is bad, but school is still held, please let your children ride the bus.