Emergency Info
When weather forces a change in the normal operating routine of the district, Bethel follows a process to make decisions concerning cancellation or delay of school, and to ensure students and families receive information and updates as quickly as possible.
Please ensure that your children have an alternate place to stay (neighbors, family members, etc.) if you must be at work on a day when school has been canceled or delayed. We will make every effort to adhere to the established school calendar, however the safety of students and employees is the highest priority.
How are decisions made?
At approximately 3 a.m. designated transportation personnel begin driving roads throughout the district to determine the status of roads. At 4 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.
Where can parents get information concerning school closures or delays?
Decisions regarding school closures or delays are made by 5 a.m. when possible. Parents and staff will be contacted by robocall, email and text first. The message will then be shared on our website. Local radio and television stations will also share the information.
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 students, and no transportation will be provided to other schools outside of the district, even though they may be open. All scheduled activities are also canceled unless otherwise noted.
- Two Hours Late: This means buses will begin their first route two hours late but at regularly scheduled stops. Right At School and the Bethel Acceleration Academy will also be running two hours late. There will be NO half-day preschool, no ECEAP, no late start or early release programs, no out-of-district transportation, no Challenge program, and no transportation for Challenger Middle or Challenger High School. Morning classes at the Pierce County Skills Center are also canceled.
- Snow Routes in Effect: Due to road conditions, some bus stops have changed location. Snow route information is available here.