When early morning road conditions are hazardous but are forecast to improve later in the day, APS may implement a two-hour delay to ensure the safety of students and staff. If travel conditions are not expected to improve, we will cancel school and call a full snow day.
Delayed school starts are a common practice in other districts and are widely supported. They improve safety by providing additional time for road crews to clear streets, for storms to subside, and for students and staff to travel safely to school.
Delayed School Start Times
- School Start: The school day will begin two hours later than normal.
- Bus Pick-Up: APS buses will pick up students two hours later than their normal schedule.
- Morning Preschool: AM Preschool will be cancelled.
- Afternoon Preschool: Start times for afternoon preschool will remain the same.
- Dismissal Times: Regular dismissal and end-of-day pick-up times will not change.
- Class Schedules: Some class schedules may be adjusted. Please check with your school for specific changes.
- Before-School Care: Contact your care provider for updates on availability.
- APS Charter Schools: If your child attends an APS charter school, please confirm with the school directly about their status during delayed school starts.
- Staff Arrival: Staff members should aim to arrive as close to their regular start time as safely possible, as some students may arrive on time.
Our top priority is the safety of our students and staff. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during inclement weather.
Please note: A delayed school start does not change regular dismissal times or pick-up times at the end of the school day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why implement a delayed school start?
A: In APS, safety is a top priority. A delayed school start provides an alternative between a full school closure and a regular school day. There are days when traveling to school on time can be challenging or dangerous for students and staff, and other days when school is canceled only for conditions to improve. A two-hour delay allows our crews to clear parking lots and sidewalks, road crews to address streets and drivers to navigate more safely. This option prioritizes student and staff safety while minimizing disruptions to learning.
Q: Will we still have snow days?
A: Yes. When conditions are severe and forecasted to worsen throughout the day, or when crews cannot improve travel safety within two hours, school will be canceled.
Q: What would school schedules be on delayed school start days?
A: All schools will start exactly two hours later than their regular start time but will release students at their regular release time. Each school will have a schedule ready to use on delayed school start days. AM Preschool will be cancelled, but PM Preschool will still start at their normal times.
Q: When will buses pick up and drop off students?
A: Morning buses will pick up students two hours later than their regular pick-up time. Afternoon drop-offs will remain at their regular time. Some morning pickups and afternoon drop-offs may experience slight delays due to weather and traffic.
Q: When will a delayed school start decision be made and communicated?
A: A delayed start will be announced either the night before a major storm or by 5:30 a.m. on the morning of the delayed start.
Q: Could a delayed school start be changed to a snow day, with school being canceled later in the morning?
A: We aim to stick with the announced plan, whether it’s a delayed school start or a snow day, to minimize uncertainty. In rare cases, if conditions unexpectedly worsen, we may consider an early release. However, early releases are a last resort and will be used sparingly.
Q: Will after-school sports and extracurricular activities be impacted by delayed school start days?
A: Unless otherwise notified, after-school sports and extracurricular activities will proceed as scheduled.
Q: How will a delayed school start impact attendance and instruction?
A: School districts with delayed school start policies report minimal impacts on attendance and instruction proceeds as normal.
Q: School is still open, but I don’t feel safe getting my student to school. What should I do?
A: Parents have the right to decide what is safest for their family. You may keep your student home, bring them to school later when conditions improve or provide alternative transportation. Tardies and absences will be excused if parents determine that road conditions are unsafe.
Q: Will a delayed school start be implemented district-wide, or only in the communities with the worst road conditions?
A: Delayed school starts, like snow days, will be implemented district-wide. Many staff and students commute between different areas, so this ensures consistency across the district.
Q: How will staff be impacted?
A: All staff are expected to report to work as close to their regular start time as safely possible.
Q: How will food service (school breakfast and lunch) be impacted?
A: A grab-and-go breakfast will be available for students. Lunch will be served as usual, with timing adjusted to each school’s specific schedule.
Q: How will the school calendar be impacted?
A: Delayed school starts help reduce the need for full school closures, ensuring instructional time while prioritizing safety. We do not anticipate using delayed starts or snow days frequently enough to impact school calendars.