Winter Weather Days
On days winter weather conditions are too severe, RVS may decide to close schools to keep students and staff safe. While this is rare, it is important families know what will happen and where to go for information.
We consider several factors when closing schools due to weather. These include current and forecasted temperature and wind chill, road conditions, the amount of snow and ice, school building constructions and school location. This decision is made early in the morning before school starts or buses are running. Ultimately, the final decision to send a child to the bus stop or to school rests with parents/guardians.
We inform parents/guardians, staff and media through email. Parents/guardians can also keep an eye on Rocky View Transportation’s Late Bus App, the RVS website home page or RVS’ Facebook and Twitter accounts for information about closures. If you have not heard from us and you do not see a school closure announcement, schools are open!
Cold Weather Tips
Other general cold weather safety tips include:
- Stay with your child at the bus stop until they have been picked up.
- Dress your child in warm, insulating layers close to their body, with wind and waterproof layers on the outside. Keep their head covered.
- Cover exposed areas such as fingers, cheeks, ears and nose. Consider sending your child with spare gloves and a hat just in case!
- If clothes get wet while your child is in the cold, have them change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
Busing
School buses do not typically run on mornings when the temperature is at or lower than -40 degrees Celsius without wind chill. When weather is severe or road conditions are hazardous, certain bus routes may be cancelled; however, this does not necessarily mean schools are closed. Once student transportation has begun, a school will not close until regular dismissal time.
It is important not to leave your child at the bus stop in severe weather for any period of time.
Resources
- Board Policy 20 Inclement Weather
- Administrative Procedure 131 School Closure
- Administrative Procedure 5501 Transportation of Students During Inclement Weather
- Alberta Health Services – Cold Weather Safety Tips
- Government of Canada – Wind chill and cold weather
- Canadian Red Cross – Cold-Related Emergencies: Staying Warm and Safe in Canadian Winters