As we get closer to the start of winter, we are sharing some new changes to our inclement weather process.  Based on feedback from the families we serve, our goal is to adjust our process to minimize weather related closures and delays.

Here are the specific steps we are taking:

  • We added three buses to snow routes to reduce travel to higher elevation areas
  • We are coordinating with Clark and Skamania County road departments to ensure routes we use will be cleared regularly when ice and snow are expected
  • We are identifying families who need snow route information so we can limit calls about changes that only impact snow routes, not the start time or status

We value the safety of our students, families, and staff, and we will continue to keep safety at the forefront each time we make a decision on whether to hold school.

Families who are not able to make it to school due to inclement weather can notify their student’s school and excuse the absence.

What to expect when driving conditions are unsafe:

  • When there is a delay or closure, we will use ParentSquare to initiate a robocall to all families.
  • When we are implementing snow routes, but not a delay or closure, we will only notify families who are served by buses that use snow routes. In the event of a school closure due to inclement weather or an emergency, the information will be updated on the FlashAlert.net site.

You can see what number we have on file for your family by logging into Qmlativ Family Access. The phone call will come from caller ID 360-954-3000.

For school closure:

  • If the decision is to close, we will close facilities, cancel all services, and add inclement weather make-up dates as noted in our calendar.
  • All on-site activities such as in-person learning, athletics practices, and club activities will be cancelled.
  • Preschool and WSD childcare will be cancelled.
  • Cascadia Tech Academy (CTA) will not have a bus.
School 2 Hour Delay start time 3 Hour Delay start time
WHS 9:50 am 10:50 am
JMS 10:00 am 11:00 am
CCMS 10:00 am 11:00 am
Cape 10:00 am 11:00 am
Gause 11:10 am 12:10 pm
Hathaway 11:00 am 12:00 pm
Columbia River Gorge 11:10 am 12:10 pm
  • Bus pickup times adjust by 2 or 3 hours respectively
  • There is no early release on a Wednesday if we have a late start
  • There is no Cascadia Technical Academy (Skills Center) bus at WHS
  • WHS Zero Period classes are cancelled
  • The Washougal Adult Transition Program at WHS will start with the same delay as WHS
  • Community Education Preschool will start two or three hours late, and there is no Special Education Preschool
  • PM Preschool is held as usually scheduled
  • All athletic practices or club activities BEFORE school are cancelled.  The late start does not impact after school practice times or game schedules. 

General Notes:

  • The bus number will identify bus routes changed due to inclement weather, if on snow routes, hour late start, or not operating.
  • Special services routes- students will be notified by driver if other than their regular stop location.
  • If a bus is on snow route or canceled for AM, it will be the same for the PM route unless the restriction is lifted.
  • If school closes early, there will be no PM Preschool, and afternoon/evening Community Education classes will be canceled. There will be no use of school facilities by outside entities.

Other ways to access the Emergency Information shared by Washougal School District

Resources