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School Closing F.A.Q.

How are decisions made to cancel school?
To determine school closings, district administrative staff will monitor weather conditions throughout the day or night. If conditions are questionable in the early morning hours, staff will travel roads to inspect the conditions. The district strives to make the best decision possible for the safety of students and staff with the information available at that time. For more inclement weather procedure information, go to www.nisdtx.org/schoolclosings

When would I get the call that school is canceled, delayed or releasing early?
In an effort to notify parents as soon as possible so arrangements can be made, normally a decision to cancel school is made prior to 5 a.m.; however, sometimes it is difficult to cancel school if conditions do not exist prior to 5 a.m. For this reason, staff uses weather radar to determine if deteriorating weather conditions are on the way. In the event that weather conditions are deteriorating the night prior to a school day, a decision will be made before 9:30 p.m.

How can I find out if school will be canceled, delayed or closed early?
The district uses the following methods to communicate inclement weather closings or delays:

  • Direct communication via email, phone call and/or text message via ParentSquare
  • District website
  • District social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter
  • Local media outlets

What is the schedule when the district announces a two-hour delay?

  • Elementary Schools: 9:40 a.m. (building will open at 9:20 a.m.)
    • Morning Pre-K: 9:40 a.m. to 11:50 a.m.
    • Afternoon Pre-K: 12:50 to 3 p.m.
  • High Schools: 10:30 a.m. (building will open at 9:30 a.m.)
  • Middle Schools: 10:55 a.m. (building will open at 9:45 a.m.)
  • District Offices: 10 a.m. 

Why would Northwest ISD call for a two-hour delay as opposed to canceling school for the day?
If weather conditions would not permit safe travel for students and staff in the morning, but the forecast and radar show an improvement in conditions and is above freezing, Northwest ISD would call for a two-hour delay. In order to meet attendance requirements, per the Texas Education Agency, students should be in school for four hours of instruction. Weather permitting, a two-hour delay allows students and staff to safely travel to campus without having to make up a day.

Will breakfast and lunch be served when there is a two-hour delay?
Lunch will be served; breakfast will not be served.

How does a two-hour delay affect my child’s bus schedule?
Buses will operate normal routes with a two-hour delay. For example, if your child’s bus normally picks up your student at 7:30 a.m., the bus will now pick up at 9:30 a.m.

Will my child’s tardy or absence be excused?
Typically, under extreme weather conditions, tardies or absences will be excused if the district closes early or opens late. However, if the district opens late and the roads have improved by the time the campus opens, absences and tardies will be unexcused.

Will school times change on a two-hour delay? 
Dismissal time will remain the same when the district operates on a two-hour delay.

Will after-school care be available when the district releases early?
Elementary schools will not offer after-school care, such as AlphaBEST, when releasing early for inclement weather. However, a district administrator will be on campus until the last child is picked up.

Can I pick my child up early?
Of course. Anytime a parent wishes to check their child out of school, they may do so.