William "Bill" Roberts School » Weather Closures and Bussing Information from DPS

Weather Closures and Bussing Information from DPS

Weather Closure Announcement Hotline: 720-423-3200

School Closure Communication

DPS announces closures or delays via the following communications tools:

Automated calls and emails – Families who provide phone numbers or email addresses to schools will receive a phone call and/or an email announcing any closure or delay due to inclement weather.

Bus Bulletin, DPS’ new tool automatically informing parents of any school bus delays.

News media – DPS immediately notifies news media for inclusion on their weather closing or delays lists.

DPS homepage – Closures and delays are announced via a red “alert” banner across the top of the district homepage at www.dpsk12.org.

DPS social media – Announcements to close or delay school will quickly be posted to Facebook @Denver Public Schools and Twitter @DPSNewsNow.

District closure/delay hotline – A message announcing the closure or delay will be left on the school district’s closure hotline at 720-423-3200, as well on the DPS Transportation Services hotline at 720-423-4600.

DPS employees should check their e-mails regularly.

DPS transportation employees will be notified by Bus Bulletin via call, text or email.

During winter weather conditions, the decision to open or close schools is not a simple one. However, this decision is made with one overriding factor in mind – the well-being of our students, their families and DPS staff.

Transportation

In preparation for winter weather, the DPS transportation department makes preparations to ensure buses are running and students arrive safely to school. Drivers participate in a comprehensive training program that includes preparation for driving in inclement weather and adverse conditions. They also conduct a daily pre-trip inspection of their buses before they go on their route.

DPS transportation will monitor weather, roads and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) schedule for plowing of streets traveled by buses and children. Please remember that weather and street conditions can vary greatly within Denver boundaries.

Also visit the DPS Transportation Information Website

If DPS Schools Close Due to Severe Weather

Transportation will not run any buses. The decision to close is made by the Superintendent based on information provided by representatives from transportation agencies, the weather bureau, city and county law enforcement and DPS transportation. All after-school activities, including middle and high school athletics, are cancelled. Therefore, there is no transportation for these activities either. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to make contingency plans for the care of their student in the event that school is canceled.

If DPS Schools Remain Open During Inclement Weather

The required transportation is provided. However, services may be modified to ensure both driver and student safety and welfare. Traffic conditions may require students to spend additional time en route to school, special activities, programs or home. Buses could be delayed up to 15 minutes due to the inclement weather.

If Severe Weather Occurs During the School Day

DPS will closely monitor severe weather conditions and forecasts throughout the day to ensure student safety. Should severe weather begin during the school day, bus routes will run in the same order as normally followed in the afternoon. Depending on conditions, arrival times at home may be delayed. After-school activities (athletic events, enrichment programs, etc.) may be modified or cancelled as a result of the weather conditions.