Inclement Weather: Emergency Opening & Closing Procedures

Inclement Weather Procedures

Overview

The safety and well-being of our students and staff are the top priorities of Isle of Wight County Schools (IWCS), especially when making decisions regarding school closings, delays, or early dismissals due to inclement weather or other emergencies. We fully understand the impact schedule changes can have on families and do not take these decisions lightly. Our large and geographically diverse county often experiences varied weather conditions from one area to another, making it essential to assess road conditions across the entire division. Ultimately, decisions are made with safety at the forefront and with consideration of the inconvenience to families.

We encourage all families to have a plan in place for schedule changes and to discuss with their children what to do in the event of an unexpected closure, delay, or early dismissal.

Decision Process for Closings, Delays, or Early Dismissals

Before adjusting school schedules due to weather or emergency conditions, IWCS gathers input from several sources:

•         The Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office provides updates on road closures.
•         Designated IWCS staff assess road safety for buses, student drivers, and school personnel.
•         Staff involved include the Coordinator of Transportation and the Security and Emergency Management Supervisor.
•         These assessments are shared with the Deputy Superintendent of Operations, who collaborates with the Deputy Superintendent of Instruction.
•         A recommendation is presented to the Superintendent, who makes the final decision.

Whenever possible, decisions are announced by 7:00 p.m. the evening before. If conditions change overnight, announcements are made by 5:00 a.m.

Communication of Schedule Changes

IWCS communicates schedule changes through the following channels:

•         Primary (Direct IWCS Communication):

o   Website: www.iwcs.k12.va.us

o   Connect 5 / Remind

o   X (formerly Twitter): @IWCSchools

o   Facebook: Isle of Wight County Schools

•         Secondary (External Sources):

o   Local media websites

o   YMCA and Parks and Rec before/after school care (via Director of Elementary Education)

o   Regional Governor’s School programs (via Instructional Coordinator for Gifted Programs

o   Regional programs for students with disabilities (via Director of Special Education)

Delayed Openings

General Notes:

•         Students may not be dropped off until 30 minutes before the adjusted start time.
•         Field trips are canceled.
•         On-site before-school care providers determine their own inclement weather policies.

Two-Hour Delay Specifics:

•         No breakfast is served at any schools unless requested.
•         Lunch is served as usual.
•         Reverse Inclusion before-care opens at 9:30 a.m.
•       No morning CTE transportation; afternoon CTE and Governor’s School transportation operate if those programs are open.
•         Schools follow their established two-hour delay schedules.

School Closings/Cancellations

•         All school-related activities are canceled.
•         No transportation is provided to regional programs.
•         Staff do not report unless specifically directed by their supervisor.

Emergency Early Release

•         Early closures may occur if weather conditions worsen during the school day.
•         Announcements aim to be made by 10:30 a.m. to allow time for safe student transport.
•         Lunch is served before dismissal.
•         All afternoon activities—including sports, tutoring, and field trips—are canceled.
•         Parents should check with on-site after-school care providers for closure details.
•         Teachers and support staff may be released after all students have left. Administrative staff remain unless otherwise notified.
•         School offices stay open until all bus routes are completed.

Individual School Closures

IWCS may close individual schools for reasons unrelated to weather, including:

•         Power outages
•         Equipment failures
•         Utility leaks
•         Other unforeseen operational issues

Note: IWCS does not close individual schools for weather-related reasons.

Weather Watches and Warnings

•         Tornado/Severe Thunderstorm Watch: Normal operations continue, though recess and PE may be held indoors.
•         Tornado Warning: All students and staff shelter in pre-designated areas until the warning is lifted.
•         Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Students remain indoors with staff.
•         Parents are asked not to pick up children during active warnings for safety reasons.
•         After-school activities are canceled immediately if a tornado warning is issued.
•         Outdoor activities are canceled for severe thunderstorm warnings; indoor events may proceed.

High winds, dense fog, or other hazardous conditions may result in cancellation of field trips, particularly those requiring travel across bridges and tunnels.

Athletics

•         All athletic activities are canceled when schools close or dismiss early due to inclement weather.
•         Outside of weather alerts, high school athletic directors and principals decide whether to cancel practices or competitions based on local conditions.
•         Cancellations are reported to the Director of Support Services.

Summary

Isle of Wight County Schools takes great care in making decisions about emergency schedule changes, always putting the safety of students and staff first. We recognize the inconvenience these changes can cause and strive to communicate clearly and promptly with families and community partners. Through collaboration with local agencies, careful monitoring of weather conditions, and a strong communication plan, IWCS remains committed to ensuring the well-being of everyone in our school community during inclement weather or emergency situations.