Inclement Weather Procedures
Soft Start and Student Arrival:
Students may enter the building at 8:30am each day as part of our Soft Start policy. This helps reduce issues that can arise during severe weather.
If the temperature before school is well below 20 degrees, students may enter the building beginning at 8:25am and go directly to their classrooms.
Inclement weather includes temperatures below 20 degrees, as well as severe rain or snow. Students should come to school dressed appropriately for the weather.
Lightning Dismissal:
A lightning dismissal will be implemented when lightning is detected within close range of the school. We monitor conditions using two electronic lightning detectors and the WeatherBug app.
When safety permits, signs will be posted outside the school indicating a LIGHTNING Dismissal. Parents will also receive notification with details via email and text message.
Please do not call the front office for updates, as dismissal is a busy time. Instead, use the communication methods listed above for the most current information.
In the event of a delayed dismissal:
For your child’s safety, we hold all buses, walkers, and bike riders until the lightning has cleared.
If you would like to pick up your child before dismissal, you may come inside and check in at the front office.
At 3:30pm dismissal time, you are welcome to enter through the front doors to pick up your child. Parents may use both the front entrance and the back drop-off loop door; both will be monitored by staff. You may only take your own child unless you have prior permission to pick up another student.
Students may call or text home using their cell phones once the dismissal bell rings.
Delayed Start and School Closure:
The district has established procedures for delayed start times due to morning snow accumulation. District personnel begin checking road conditions at 4:00 a.m. and determine whether to implement a delayed start by Feeder Region. Decisions are typically based on bus access to side streets and the safety of students who walk to school. We are in the ThunderRidge Feeder Area.
School closures due to snow are also generally announced early in the morning.
To check for closures or delays, please visit the district website (www.dcsdk12.org) or call the district hotline at 303-387-SNOW (7669).
We will also try to communicate weather-related delays and closures through email, text messages, and our Facebook and website pages. However, parents are responsible for monitoring the district website and local news stations (Channels 2, 4, 7, 9, 20, and 31).
On a delayed start day, school will begin at 10:10 a.m., and students may enter the building starting at 10:00 a.m. Please do not drop off your student earlier, as teachers may not yet be in their classrooms to supervise students.
Other Early Dismissal Events:
On rare occasions, we may dismiss school early if severe weather, such as a blizzard, is expected. Parents will be notified with dismissal details through email and ext messages.