Winter weather ahead - What families need to know

We’re closely watching the forecast, which currently calls for winter weather this weekend. We know that potential schedule changes can create uncertainty, and we want to keep you informed every step of the way.

How decisions are made

Safety always comes first. When weather may affect school operations, our team reviews updates from local emergency officials and the North Carolina Department of Transportation. We also send staff across the county to assess roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and bus routes.

Whenever possible, we make a decision the evening before to help families plan ahead. If the forecast remains uncertain, we wait for updated information early the next morning and aim to decide by 4:30 a.m.

Since our students and staff travel across the entire county, we make one decision for the full district.

How you’ll hear from us

Once a decision is made, we will:

• Post an alert at the top of wcpss.net and all school websites
• Send updates by email, phone, and text
• Share information through our social media accounts and local media outlets

Please make sure your contact information is current. If needed, contact your school’s data manager to update your phone number or email address.

Remote instruction days

This year, the district can call a remote instruction day during emergencies instead of using a banked day or make-up day. We recognize that remote instruction is something we have used infrequently since the pandemic, and we welcome your feedback as we work together to support instruction during unexpected closures.

Here’s what remote instruction will look like:

• Students in grades 3-12: These students will log in to Canvas to complete asynchronous assignments from their teachers. Assignments will focus on the review, reinforcement, or application of taught concepts. Because the new semester is beginning next week, some of this work may focus on reviewing the syllabus, getting to know the structure of each course, and setting expectations. Teachers will work to ensure Special Education asynchronous assignments on Canvas reflect IEPs, including accommodations/modifications.
• PreK-2 students: These students will receive a hard copy of assignments for up to three days of assignments from their teachers by the end of the day on Thursday, Jan. 22.
• Students in grades 3-12 with limited internet/device access: These students will also receive alternative assignments with non-digital materials (e.g., printed packets) by the end of the day on Thursday, Jan. 22.

Students will have five days after returning to school to complete assignments. Teachers will be available by email and/or Canvas to answer questions and provide support.

Please note that this information is being shared with you to keep you informed of our processes, and that the district has not made an adjustment to next week’s schedule at this time. 

We’ll reach out again this weekend if the forecast continues to suggest severe weather. Thank you for your flexibility, your patience, and your continued partnership in helping every student stay safe and on track.