Delays and Cancellations

Click here for a list of TV & Radio Stations and Web Sites that
Pennridge contacts when school has been canceled or delayed

Winter weather emergencies, such as snow and ice, may cause disruptions in school operations, including the closure of school, a delayed opening or an early dismissal. The procedures used to address winter weather emergencies are consistent among all schools.

The weather contingency plan adds students instructional days to the end of the scheduled school year and from the planned spring break.

Closure of School
When schools are closed systemwide, all instructional programs, extracurricular and after-school activities will be canceled. In extreme conditions, central administrative offices may also be closed.

Delayed Opening
A delayed opening means that schools open two hours later than scheduled. All buses operate on the same delayed schedule and, therefore, the pick-up times are two hours later than normal. When elementary schools open on a delayed schedule, kindergarten runs on a modified schedule (see below). Any other specialized programs or field trips scheduled before 12 noon will be cancelled.  

Early Dismissal
An early dismissal means that the high school closes at 11:30, the middle schools at 12:15, and the elementary schools at 1:00. When elementary schools close early, afternoon kindergarten is canceled, as well as any special programs or field trips scheduled after 12 noon.

If schools are closed or delayed, the announcement is made no later than 6:00 a.m. (or the night before if possible). If schools are closing early, the announcements are made by 11:00 a.m.  Please do NOT call the schools for this information. (see listings below) A rush of calls jams the switchboard and prevents emergency calls from being made.

Weather Conditions and Decisions
The school system uses a variety of sources of information to determine whether to close schools, delay the opening of schools, or dismiss schools early. These sources include actual physical inspection of road and school conditions by transportation officials and other staff at spots throughout the county and an analysis of independent reports from the National Weather Service, Accu-Weather and the news media. The most severe weather conditions within the county are used as the basis for the decision-making criteria. Consistent procedures are maintained in order to respond quickly to emergency weather conditions and protect the safety and well being of students.

All public schools within Bucks County adhere to the same procedures concerning emergency weather conditions. The decision to change school operations is made by the superintendent of schools or his designee and affect all schools within the school system.

Public Announcements/Emergency Notification

Information about school operations is announced publicly as soon as possible on:

• Commercial broadcast television
• Comcast Cable Channel (check cable listing for channel numbers)
• Radio stations