The safety of students is the Transportation Department's highest priority. We understand that decisions about school schedules and bus route changes have an impact on our families. We appreciate your patience during these situations. While we know that our students and families are best served when we are open, our main concern is the safety of our students and staff. Typically, decisions regarding schedule changes are made in the early morning before school. This allows for the most current weather information to factor into the decision. This information is generally posted by 5:30 a.m.

Two-Hour Delay

If there is a two-hour delayed start, the following changes will apply:

• School at all buildings will start two hours later than regular
• No out-of-district transportation
• No AM skills center
• No zero-hour classes
• No AM or PM APPLE or Presidents Preschool
• Athletics and after-school activities may continue as scheduled but they may also be canceled. Please monitor school communications for updates on the status of these events.

Early Dismissal

With this option, school is closed earlier than regular times to respond to weather or other conditions. Families may pick up students from school and we will transport bus riders home on their limited routes. Dismissing school early is generally an emergency action because we need to verify with parents that someone will be at home if school is dismissed early.

Schools Closed

Depending on the weather conditions, canceling school might be an option to keep our students and staff safe on treacherous roads. Athletics and after-school activities may continue as scheduled but they may also be canceled. Please monitor school communications for updates on the status of these events.

Limited Transportation

In adverse weather, bus routes may be limited to main roads. We will provide notification to the community if we must use limited transportation routes. Regular and limited transportation routes can be found on our website here. 

How we will communicate information about changes to school schedules:

• School Messenger (Emails and/or phone calls and/or text messages)
• Flash Alert Newswire (See below)
• Social media
• Home page of district website (www.asd.wednet.edu)
• Broadcast Media (See below)

Arlington Public Schools uses FlashAlert Newswire to alert the media and community about school delays and closures. Parents, staff and community members can sign up for these notifications for free by going to this link:

www.flashalert.net

FlashAlert will send out email and/or text notices to you. Please note that you will need to log into your FlashAlert account at least once per year to keep it active. Reminder notifications will be sent to you before the account is closed.

Radio & Television
Local radio and television stations will announce any changes. Below is a list of participating stations in our area that make announcements frequently:

Remember, you are the best judge when it comes to your child's safety. If you feel the conditions or circumstances in your area are unsafe, please keep your child home. Remember to contact the school to let them know your child will be absent.