Every year it seems snow or severe weather conditions lead to the closure or late start of our schools, and we want to keep you updated about those decisions.
The Olympia School District will inform you of school schedule changes as soon as possible through our phone/email/text messaging system, as well as on our website and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
We also encourage you to monitor local radio and/or television stations for up-to-date information about weather-related closures or delays. If school is open but you think it would be unsafe for your child to attend, school officials will accept your judgment and it will be treated as an excused absence.
The school district will make every effort to operate normally, despite the weather. On rare occasions, however, weather conditions may make it necessary to modify bus routes, and when that occurs, the district and media outlets will be asked to announce the use of “snow routes” or “emergency routes.” Some of the emergency route changes are listed here:
Emergency Snow Routes:
At other times, weather conditions may require schools to close early. In that event, the normal busing sequence will be followed; returning high school and middle school students home first, followed by elementary students approximately one to two hours later. Please instruct your child what to do should there be an early school closure when you are not home during the regular school day. Parents are also asked to remind students to be especially careful when walking or waiting for a bus during bad weather.
It is our hope that weather conditions do not disrupt transportation and schools. However, our most critical concern is the safety and welfare of our students.
Please understand there are many factors when deciding to close or delay school. We exercise caution and overall safety for all 9,000+ district students when determining if school should be canceled or delayed. The 80-square miles covered by our district are very diverse geographically, and what one family experiences can be very different from what another family is experiencing on the other side of the district. Staff drive the streets in the early hours of the morning to determine the safety of all routes. We appreciate your understanding and support.