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As the 2024-25 school year begins, we would like to review a few of our procedures that may impact your students and families this year:
If classes are delayed or canceled due to dangerous weather and travel conditions like snow, smoke, or flooding, you will receive messages via the mass notification system in a phone call, text message, and/or email. If your phone number or email address has changed, please contact your student’s school and ask the staff to update your records to ensure you receive this important information.
Details about delays or cancelations will also be posted on the district website at www.washoeschools.net, shared on social media channels, and aired by local television and radio stations. We make every effort to provide you with as much notice as possible—sometimes the night before—if classes are going to be delayed or canceled.
Air quality
Using the Fire and Smoke map, located on the AirNOW website and app, the area air quality is analyzed using the official EPA and other sensors throughout the Truckee Meadows. When a majority of the sensors are in the hazardous (301 or above) range, the National Weather Service will be contacted to obtain a forecast of anticipated wind patterns and strength. If the air quality is expected to remain the same, or worsen, schools in the affected areas will be canceled. Read more information on WCSD’s air quality procedures.
ww.washoeschools.net/airquality
Snow Closure and Delays
Winter weather in the Truckee Meadows and surrounding areas can be unpredictable. The district wants to ensure every child and staff member can arrive at school safely, so plans are in place to make the decision whether to delay, cancel or continue school as scheduled. During inclement weather, winter bus stops will be used. Buses may run late for a variety of reasons, including traffic and road conditions. More information on inclement weather.
Recess Cancellation due to cold weather: WCSD is recommending students remain indoors when the temperature is 20 degrees or below.
Other Emergencies at or near schools
If there is an emergency at or near a school, we will contact families via the same mass notification system to provide information and updates, which will also be posted on the district website.
At any time, a school may impose a “Precautionary Code Yellow – Secure Campus” if there is a potentially dangerous situation off campus, such as police activity in the area. When a Secure Campus is imposed, a school enters a heightened state of alertness and security to ensure students and staff members are prepared to react quickly in case of an emergency. All building doors are locked, and teaching, learning, and normal school operations continue. School staff members work with School Police on campus for the duration of the incident.
A school may impose a Code Red Lockdown if there is a suspected or confirmed direct threat to a school. Doors of the school buildings are locked and instruction is temporarily stopped while students and staff members move into safe areas. School Police monitor the incident and the school remains in lockdown until officers determine it is safe to lift the lockdown. During a Code Red Lockdown, families are notified and updated via Connect Ed as soon as possible. Current information is posted on the district website until the situation is resolved.
It’s important to remember that students and staff members participate in drills to practice their emergency evacuation and lockdown skills throughout the year. For more information, click here.
If you have questions or concerns, please call the office (775) 333-5000, or check out the WCSD website.
