As we enter the spring season, we would like to remind families of our Severe Weather and Dismissal Plan. Student safety is always our top priority, and the procedures below outline how dismissal will be handled during various weather conditions.
AT A GLANCE
Watches (Thunderstorm or Tornado): Normal dismissal.
Thunderstorm Warning: Dismissal may be adjusted depending on the storm’s direct impact on the school area.
Tornado Warning: Students will shelter in place and will not be released until the warning has expired.
All updates will be communicated through email and text.
PRIOR TO DISMISSAL (Students have not yet exited the building)
Thunderstorm Watch or Tornado Watch
Students will be released at regular dismissal time.
Thunderstorm Warning
Dismissal may be delayed or adjusted if the storm directly impacts the school area.
Updates will be communicated via email and text.
Tornado Warning
Following our Standard Response Protocol (SRP), students and staff will take shelter and will not be released until the tornado warning has expired.
Staff may be unavailable to answer doors and phones during this time.
Any changes due to the duration of the warning will be communicated via email and text.
DURING DISMISSAL (Students have already begun exiting the building)
Thunderstorm Watch or Tornado Watch
Normal dismissal.
Thunderstorm Warning
Normal dismissal will continue unless the storm directly impacts the area.
Students who walk or ride buses may be brought back inside to take shelter if hail or dangerous winds occur.
Parents picking up students may either enter the building to take shelter or proceed with taking their student(s) home.
Tornado Warning
Bus riders and students walking home will immediately return to the building to take shelter.
For students waiting outside for parent pickup, a rapid dismissal may be implemented to release students directly to parents already on-site as quickly as possible to reduce time outdoors.
High school student drivers will be encouraged to return to the building to take shelter.
Parents may also enter the building to shelter.
Once rapid dismissal is complete, all staff will take shelter and may be unavailable to answer doors or phones.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
During Watches, outdoor activities (recess, physical education, etc.) will continue as scheduled.
During Warnings, all students will remain inside.
Bus drop-off times may be delayed depending on the timing and severity of the storm.
After-school activity updates will be communicated by coaches and shared on school social media channels.
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Please ensure your contact information is current in the NebSIS system.
Monitor district emails and text messages during severe weather.
During active sheltering, please avoid calling the school, as staff may be unable to answer.
We appreciate your partnership and patience as we work to keep all students and staff safe during severe weather events.