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Severe Weather

Severe weather, including thunderstorms and tornadoes, can develop quickly in the region, and conditions may change during the school day or afterschool activities. The safety of students and staff remains the district’s highest priority.

The information below outlines how the district responds to weather watches and warnings and what families should expect during these events.

Watches and Warnings

Watches: A watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. A watch does not indicate that severe weather is occurring. 

During a watch: 
  • Staff monitor weather conditions closely 
  • If weather becomes concerning, administrators may take proactive safety steps, including moving students indoors or suspending outdoor activities

Warnings: A warning means severe weather has been confirmed and is occurring or imminent in the area. 

During a warning: 
  • Students and staff move immediately to designated safe shelter areas 
  • Outdoor activities, athletics and events are suspended
  • Students remain in shelter until the district determines it is safe to resume normal operations

Tornado Sirens 

Outdoor warning sirens will sound only when a tornado warning has been issued for that area. Sirens may not sound for the full duration of a warning. Families should rely on official district communication for updates. 

Procedures During Severe Weather

During severe weather, the district follows established safety protocols:
  • Students and staff shelter in designated safe areas within school buildings
  • Students remain in shelter until the warning has ended and it is safe to resume normal activity
  • School staff are not able to answer phones or allow building access while sheltering is in place

Parent Guidance

To support student safety, families are asked to:
  • Avoid calling schools or district offices during severe weather events.
  • Avoid coming to school until official communication indicates it is safe to do so.
  • Monitor district communication channels for updates regarding dismissal changes or delays.

During emergencies, communication will be coordinated at the district level to ensure timely and accurate information, including early or delayed dismissal times, transportation updates and changes to instructional or extracurricular schedules.  

If parents choose to come to campus during an active weather emergency, there may be significant delays in releasing students, as the district’s priority will be the safety of the entire campus population.