Latest From Seattle Schools on Snow Days

Update via OSPI:

“OSPI continues to advise school districts to use caution when deciding to switch to remote instruction when students cannot learn from their school buildings due to unforeseen circumstances, like weather-related events or other short-term closures. School districts are advised to consider whether each and every student will have access to the equipment, materials, and household environment needed to fully engage with their learning away from the school building and ensure the proper planning has occurred for the shift to be successful. If a district determines they can provide equitable access to remote learning and it is the best alternative for all students, families, and educators, they have the option to provide continuous learning through remote instruction. So far this school year, OSPI has seen most school districts take “snow days” instead of providing continuous learning.” 

end of update

Dated December 13th from SPS Communications:

Summary: In case of inclement weather on January 3 all students should bring home an SPS device and charger before winter break begins.

Planning for Remote Learning on Snow Days

This fall, Seattle Public Schools (SPS) and Seattle Education Association (SEA) worked together to create a remote instruction plan for potential snow days.  

Because of the delayed start of the school year, the last day of school is June 30 with July 3, 5, and 6 as the three make-up days for potential snow.  

SPS and SEA are responding to family and staff requests to avoid extending the 2022-23 school year into July if we have inclement weather (snow or ice). 

Student and staff safety is a priority when making decisions related to inclement weather. SPS monitors weather forecasts and road conditions to determine if school changes are necessary. If snow or ice in the Seattle area affects road conditions, our schools may have schedule changes. 

If weather conditions lead to schedule changes, we have two possible scenarios – two-hour late start with in-person learning or school buildings closed with students at home engaged in remote learning. Read more about two-hour late start.

Remote Learning Plan

Remote learning plan when school buildings are closed due to inclement weather 

We cannot predict or control the weather, but we can maximize our response to it. Technology provides a way to engage with students even when winter weather makes it unsafe to go to school buildings.    

Families will receive communication from the district if we have a two-hour delay or are switching to remote learning. Families will also receive communication from your student’s school with more information about how the school day will look if we have a remote learning day. 

On the first day of remote instruction due to weather, there will be a two-hour delayed start. This late start will ensure staff and students are ready to begin learning. If there are consecutive days of inclement weather, the following days will begin at the standard start time. 

For more information, read the inclement weather remote instruction frequently asked questions.