Depending on conditions (which could include snow, flooding, power outages, etc.), schools could close for the day, open two hours late with regular bus routes or snow bus routes or open on time with snow bus routes.
Please familiarize yourself with the information below to be prepared for changes in the school schedule.
How can I be notified of school closures or delays?
A message will automatically come to you if you are a parent or guardian. You can update your contact information in Skyward, ParentSquare or by calling your school office.
How can I get weather/emergency information?
Meridian School District uses a variety of methods to keep you informed:
- An email, text, app notification and/or phone call will automatically be sent to you if you have contact information in Skyward.
- Tune to local media: 790 AM, 96.5 FM, 104.1 FM or Seattle media.
- Check www.meridian.wednet.edu
- Check @meridianschooldistrict505 on Facebook or Instagram
The district will continue to use FlashAlert Newswire to notify local TV and radio media of school closures or delays.
What happens when school opens 2 hours late?
School is delayed when the weather is bad but is forecasted to improve and warm or thaw after sunrise. This also allows our buses to operate in better conditions with less traffic. To maximize student learning time on days when weather requires a late start for safety, all schools will begin 2 hours later.
When school is delayed, students will catch the bus about 2 hours later at their regular bus stop or at their snow route stop if snow routes are in effect. There is no out-of-district transportation on these days.
If school is closed, are activities/events/meetings canceled?
When school is closed, open on snow routes or delayed, school and district administrators decide whether to cancel activities, meetings and events on a school-by-school basis. This information will be communicated to families and staff.
How are decisions made?
We closely monitor the weather. Most often, decisions are made in the early morning rather than the night before so that the most current weather conditions and forecasts can factor into the decision. We recognize the impact on family schedules and will communicate any decision as quickly as possible.
If school is closed, when will missed days be made up?
State law requires that children attend school for 180 days.
Children must be present for a certain number of hours each day in order for it to count as a school day. When school is delayed, children are in attendance the hours needed to meet state requirements. When school is closed, missed days must be made up unless they are waived by the state. State law does not currently allow school districts to add minutes onto each school day to make up missed time. Our school district’s 180-day calendar is part of the contract with our labor associations.
What are snow routes?
A snow bus route (or snow route) is a modified route that is used when road conditions are impacted by weather and driving a school bus in some areas may not be advised. Transportation will make individual arrangements for students who receive specialized transportation which do not follow the snow routes.
If snow routes are in effect, students must catch their bus at the alternate stops below:
- Route 1: Van Wyck Road, Guide Meridian side: Meet at Ryzex Way, on W. Horton Rd.
- Route 4: E. Horton Road: Meet at Ryzex Way, on W. Horton Rd.
- Route 9: Zander Road: Meet at E. Smith Rd.