Port Townsend

As the fall and winter storm season arrives, we have prepared this message to explain Port Townsend School District’s procedures and expectations during inclement weather and school delays and/or closures. Below you will find guidelines to make this process easier, plus explain how weather decisions are made. School late start or closure will be posted on the district website, made available on Seattle television and radio stations, KIRO 7, KOMO 4, KING 5 and FOX 13, sent via automated calls and messages over the school district communication system to all families, and available by calling the District Emergency Information line 360-379-4500 extension 4587 .

• Weather information is reviewed the day and evening prior to a decision. The superintendent reviews the current weather and expected weather conditions, consults with the Co-Op Transportation Director and neighboring district(s).
• Starting at 4:30 a.m. or sooner, district officials drive routes and further review conditions in the school district.
• The district may choose to operate on a normal schedule, start two (2) hours late with buses on snow routes, or close entirely.
• Late starts allow us:
  
  • Time to monitor and adjust decisions to changing weather and road conditions;
  • Time to clear sidewalks and apply de-ice;
  • Safety of daylight for students and Transportation personnel;
  • Additional time for staff to arrive to work; and
  • Time for the Transportation Department to further critique snow routes and make necessary adjustments or modifications.
  • 2-Hour Late Start Times
    • Salish Coast Elementary - 10:15 a.m.
    • Blue Heron Middle School/OCEAN - 10:25 a.m.
    • Port Townsend High School - 10:25 a.m.
• When school is closed, principals of each building will make the decisions to cancel or not any scheduled events for after school and evening, and the decision will be communicated to families through the methods listed below.

Bus snow routes are available on the Transportation Page.

Types of Communication in the event of a closure or delay:

• The SchoolMessenger® System notifies all staff and parents within 30 minutes by phone, text, and/or email.
• An alert will be posted on the school district website and social media pages
• Emergency weather procedures can be found on the district webpage Weather and Emergency Closures.
• You may also dial 360-379-4500 and enter extension 4587, closure information will be there.
  Local TV and radio stations will provide timely updates.
• For questions regarding your child’s emergency bus route, contact the Transportation Department at 360-302-5811.

Please remember that weather conditions may vary from area to area within the district. This may warrant a closure or late start for the entire district due to conditions impacting only limited areas. Student and employee safety is our highest priority.