Here’s the official explanation from the Everett School District on tomorrow’s closure…
Greetings!
Schools will be closed Friday, Jan. 20, 2012
This means:
No out-of-district transportation
No afternoon or evening activities
No morning or afternoon kindergarten, preschool, ECEAP or Headstart
Accumulations of snow and ice are significant, and the timing of the upcoming thaw is uncertain. We are also not certain that city and county roadways and walkways to school will be clear by Friday morning or that there will be enough time for us to clear each of the 26 school parking lots and associated walkways even in time for a delayed start.
By using the weekend to allow time for weather conditions to abate and the predicted thaw to do its work, we can:
Monitor the progress that the cities of Everett and Mill Creek and Snohomish County are making to clear roads of snow and ice and fallen tree branches
Give time for businesses, residents and city and county jurisdictions to clear sidewalks so that students are not walking in roadways.
Work this weekend to clear district parking lots and walkways.
Check that storm water and roof drains are open to handle what is predicted to be a sudden thaw.
Check each of the schools for power and heat.
A question on everyone’s mind now is about the last day of school. Traditionally, and as per the published calendar and negotiated contract with staff, snow days are added to the end of the school year. There are questions now about whether the governor’s emergency declaration will have any impact on the length of the school year, or whether school year waivers might be possible.
We expect more information about the school year calendar to be available later in January.
More information and suggestions for being prepared for weather emergencies, including information about school bus snow routes, is on the district website.
Stay safe and warm! Take care of yourselves, and check on your neighbors.
January 19, 2012
Everett