Snow Days & Inclement Weather
Inclement Weather & Snow Day Protocol
At GHAPS, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families guide every weather-related decision. We value learning and understand the disruption that a school closure can cause, which is why we do not make these decisions lightly.
How We Decide to Close School
When a “snow day” or inclement weather closure is needed, we aim to notify families as early as possible—typically before 5:30 a.m., and sometimes the night before. District officials monitor conditions throughout the night in consultation with local road crews, area superintendents, and a National Weather Service meteorologist.
Factors considered include:
Road conditions: Snowfall amounts, drifting, ice, and the condition of main, side, and dirt roads.
Timing of the storm: Whether roads and parking lots can be cleared in time for safe bus transportation.
Ice or freezing rain: Including potential for downed trees or power lines.
Extreme cold: School may close for dangerous wind chills, generally when the combined temperature/wind chill falls below -19 to -22°F, based on frostbite risk at the 30-minute exposure threshold.
Building issues: Loss of heat, power, or water service.
How We Communicate Closures
Once a decision is made, the district will notify families through:
ParentVue (email notifications)
Local radio/TV outlets (e.g., WAWL 103.5, WGHN 92.1, participating TV stations)
District website
Social media (Facebook and Instagram pages)
In rare cases, weather may require a mid-day early release. If that occurs, every effort is made to dismiss elementary students no earlier than 3:15 p.m., with secondary students released earlier as needed to ensure timely bus routes.
Family Decision-Making
GHAPS spans more than 100 square miles, and conditions can vary across the district. While we make the best decision possible for the entire community, parents always have the final say in determining whether it is safe for their child to attend school.
Winter Gear & Recess
Students should come prepared with proper winter gear for traveling to and from school and for outdoor recess. Elementary schools generally go outside when the actual temperature and wind chill are above 0°F. Families needing assistance with winter gear should contact their school principal or social worker.
