A clean, simple graphic of a closed school building with a large clock and a winter coat and boots, flat design, on a solid pastel background.
School Closings and Delays: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding School Closures and Delays
School closings and delays are common occurrences that affect millions of students, parents, and educators across the country. These decisions are typically made by school districts based on various factors, with weather conditions being the most frequent cause.
Common Reasons for School Closures and Delays
Weather-Related Closures
- Winter Storms: Heavy snow, ice, and freezing temperatures often lead to school closures or delayed openings
- Extreme Cold: When temperatures drop to dangerous levels, schools may delay openings to protect students waiting for buses
- Severe Weather: Thunderstorms, tornado warnings, hurricanes, and flooding can necessitate school closures
- Federal Holidays: Schools typically close for federal holidays like Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Labor Day
- Professional Development Days: Regular closures for teacher training and planning
- Weather Make-Up Days: Built into school calendars to account for potential weather-related closures
- Power Outages: Loss of electricity or heating/cooling systems
- Water Issues: Problems with water supply or quality
- Health Emergencies: Pandemics, widespread illness outbreaks
- Facility Issues: Building maintenance problems or safety concerns
- Weather forecasts and road condition reports
- Consultation with transportation departments
- Safety assessments of school facilities
- Input from local emergency management officials
- 5:00-6:00 AM for same-day decisions
- Evening before for anticipated weather events
- Through multiple communication channels
- District Websites: Most schools post closure information on their official websites
- Automated Phone Calls: Many districts use automated calling systems to notify families
- Local Media: Television and radio stations broadcast school closure lists
- Mobile Apps: District-specific apps and notification systems
- Social Media: Official district social media accounts
- Email and Text Alerts: Opt-in notification systems
- Local news websites often maintain updated school closure lists
- State department of education websites may provide closure information
- Weather service websites frequently include school closure data
- Last-minute arrangements with family or friends
- Use of emergency childcare services
- Parents taking time off work
- Coordination with other families for shared childcare
- Make-Up Days: Most states require a minimum number of instructional days
- E-Learning Options: Many districts now use virtual learning days
- Extended School Year: Excessive closures may require extending the academic calendar
- School bus routes may be adjusted for delayed openings
- Walking conditions to school are assessed for safety
- Parent drop-off and pick-up procedures may be modified
- Have a backup childcare plan in place
- Stay informed about weather forecasts during winter months
- Ensure contact information is current with your school district
- Familiarize yourself with your district's communication methods
- Keep emergency supplies at home for unexpected closures
- Maintain access to online learning platforms
- Keep school materials accessible at home
- Understand e-learning procedures if applicable
- Increased use of remote learning during closures
- Enhanced communication systems for faster notifications
- Digital platforms for continued instruction during emergencies
- More flexible academic calendars
- Improved guidelines for weather-related decisions
- Better coordination between districts and emergency services
Scheduled Closures
Emergency Closures
Current School Closure Patterns
Veterans Day Observance
As of November 2025, many schools across the United States are closed in observance of Veterans Day, a federal holiday. Most public and private schools suspend classes on this day to honor military veterans.
Regional Weather-Related Closures
Chicago Area
A significant winter storm has led to numerous school closures and delays. For instance, Evanston Township High School announced a 1 hour and 15 minutes delay.
Northwest Indiana
Schools such as La Porte Schools and Michigan City Schools are closed, with Michigan City Schools implementing an eLearning day. Other districts, including North Judson-San Pierre Schools and New Prairie Schools, have also announced closures or delays.
Middle Tennessee
Cold weather has prompted Clay County Schools to delay the start of classes by two hours.
How School Closure Decisions Are Made
Decision-Making Process
School superintendents and district administrators typically make closure decisions based on:
Timing of Announcements
Most school districts aim to announce closures or delays by:
Communication Channels for School Closures
Official Notification Methods
Regional Resources
Impact on Families and Communities
Childcare Challenges
School closures create immediate childcare needs for working parents, leading to:
Academic Considerations
Transportation and Safety
Preparing for Potential School Closures
Family Preparedness Tips
Student Readiness
The Future of School Closures
Technology Integration
Policy Changes
Given the combination of scheduled holidays and adverse weather conditions in various regions, it's essential for families to stay informed through official channels and have contingency plans ready for unexpected school closures and delays.
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