Snow - School Closure Information

Emergency Operating Procedures Due to Inclement Weather

During adverse weather conditions, it may become necessary to exercise one or a combination of the following emergency operating procedures:

RECOMMENDATION AND DECISIONS

The Superintendent makes the final decision on whether the school day is changed (late start/early dismissal) or canceled due to inclement weather. This decision may be based on input from district staff or the appropriate agency.


ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Announcements about school delays or cancellations are shared in the following ways:

  • Automated emails, phone calls and/or text messages will be made to all parents/guardians by approximately 6:00 a.m (automated phone broadcast notification preferences are set in  your ParentSquare account. If you do not have access to ParentSquare, please request access by emailing [email protected] or notifying your school's front office) 
  • An announcement will be made on the District website via the ParentSquare feed widget, located on each school's homepage, as well as the district's (www.pullmanschools.org).
  • Weather announcements will be posted to our social media pages:

Click to go to our Facebook Page!   Click to go to our Twitter page!   Click to go to our Instagram page!

  • Radio stations will be contacted: KQQQ (1150 AM), KHTR (104.3 FM), KRPL (1400 AM), KZFN (106.1 FM), KWSU (1250 AM), KRFA (91.7 FM), KZZL (99.5 FM)
  • TV Channels will be contacted: 2 (KREM), 4 (KXLY), 6 (KHQ), and 3 (KLEW)

EMERGENCY RURAL BUS ROUTES

These schedules will be distributed to all rural bus riders by their bus drivers. They are also located at the bottom of this page (2023-2024 routes are coming soon). In the event an emergency rural bus route will be used, you will be notified via our rapid notification system.  


DELAY SCHOOL STARTING TIMES

It may be necessary to delay school starting times by one or two hours in order to take advantage of daylight hours and/or improving weather and/or road conditions. This will also allow in-town students more time to get to school and avoid heavy traffic periods. The delay will be announced via the above radio and television stations as well as by the automated phone call system. Schools will normally be dismissed at the regular time.

Late Start Monday Update:
If a delayed start time occurs on a Late-Start Monday, the delay time will be based on your school's normal Tuesday-Friday start time.

 

ONE HOUR DELAY - SCHOOL START TIMES

AM preschool programs, zero period and before school activities, programs, and clubs cancelled. Rural bus route students will use emergency routes.

  • Franklin- 9:20AM
  • Sunnyside- 9:35 AM
  • Jefferson- 9:20 AM
  • Kamiak- 9:35 AM
  • Lincoln- 9:25 AM, start in 2nd period
  • Pullman High- 9:30 AM, check with PHS for delayed start schedule
  

TWO HOUR DELAY - SCHOOL START TIMES

AM preschool programs, Zero period and before school activities, programs, and clubs cancelled. Rural bus route students will use emergency routes.

  • Franklin- 10:20AM
  • Sunnyside- 10:35 AM
  • Jefferson- 10:20 AM
  • Kamiak- 10:35 AM
  • Lincoln- 10:25 AM, start in 3rd period
  • Pullman High- 10:30 AM, check with PHS for delayed start schedule.
 

EARLY SCHOOL DISMISSAL 

On some occasions weather conditions may deteriorate during the school day and necessitate early dismissal of schools. Rural students will be returned to their homes only if there is adult supervision and/or a vehicle to receive them at the point they leave the bus.

Rural students who cannot be transported to their home will be returned to their applicable school where arrangements will be made for staying at their emergency in-town address.

In-town elementary students without parents/guardians at home will not be released until arrangements have been made for a baby-sitter and/or alternate supervision.


SCHOOL CLOSURE

School Closure will be announced via radio and television stations and using our rapid notification system. When school is closed, all activities and athletic events will be canceled. If road and weather conditions allow, an administrative decision can be made to allow a group to travel to an event. Such a decision will be made by school personnel, the transportation director and district office staff.

If you have any questions, please contact your child's school or the district office (509-332-3581 or [email protected])


HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE FOR CHANGES TO THE SCHOOL DAY?

Every family should have a home emergency plan in place that can be put into action on short notice. Ensure that your children have an alternate place to stay if you must be at work on a day when school has been delayed, cancelled or dismissed early. Ensure that a neighbor, family member or care center is able to care for or receive students during a change to the school day. Instruct students to report directly home or to their established care center immediately after school.