Emergency hotline number: 253-800-6001

From time to time throughout the school year, weather may force a change in the normal operating routine of the district. Bethel has in place both a process to make decisions concerning cancellation or delay of school, and a communication system to share information with students and parents.

We will make every effort to adhere to the established school calendar, however the safety of students and employees is the highest priority. The following questions and answers will help clarify how decisions regarding school closure or delay of school are made and how it will be communicated to you.

How are decisions made?

At approximately 3:00 a.m., designated transportation personnel begin driving roads throughout the district to determine the status of roads and existing weather patterns.  At 4:00 a.m., the Transportation Director contacts the Superintendent and relays the gathered information.  The Superintendent then determines the feasibility of safely transporting children to and from school.

What can parents do to be prepared for school closure or delays?

All families should have an emergency inclement weather plan in place that can be put into action on short notice.  Ensure that your children have an alternate place to stay if you must be at work on a day when school has been cancelled or delayed or a neighbor or family member is able to care for them.

Where can parents get information concerning school closures or delays?

Decisions regarding school closures or delays are made by 5:00 a.m. when possible.  Bethel School District has a 24-hour hotline (253-800-6001) that will publicize the delay, as well as broadcasts by local area radio and television stations that cover school closures and delays.

What can parents expect with school closures or delays?

Bethel School District has three (3) emergency condition messages that will be utilized.

• Schools Closed:  This means all Bethel schools are closed for all regular and/or special education students, and no transportation will be provided to other schools outside of our district even though they may be open.  All scheduled activities are also cancelled.  District administrative offices will be open and administrators are expected to report to work as soon as safely possible.
• Two Hours Late:  This means buses will begin their first route two hours late but at regularly scheduled stops UNLESS the message includes “Snow Routes in Effect”.  There will be NO half-day kindergarten, preschool, ECEAP, Head Start, late start or early release programs and no out-of-district transportation.
• Schools Open - Snow Routes in Effect: This means school will buses will pick up students at their regularly scheduled times but snow routes are in effect.  All parents should have received information as to where their child’s designated snow route is located. (Snow Route Information is posted in the Transportation area).

The following television and radio stations report school closures and delays:

Television

KOMO Channel 4, KING Channel 5, KIRO Channel 7, KCPQ Channel 13

Radio
AM Band: KIRO (710), KCIS (630), KAPS (660), KIXI (880), KOMO (1000), KYCW (1090)
FM Band: KPLU (88.5) KSER (90.7) KLSY (92.5) KUBE (93.3) KBSG (97.3) KMTT (103.7)