Update: Seattle Public Schools has canceled all classes for Wednesday (Jan. 18), because of the predicted heavy snow. The cancelation applies to all before- and after-school activities.
In a late Tuesday afternoon press release, interim Superintendent Susan Enfield apologized to parents for difficulties created by a decision to send students home early.
The release said:
On Tuesday, a change in weather patterns meant Seattle Public Schools had both a two-hour delayed start and a two-hour early dismissal. Dr. Susan Enfield, Interim Superintendent, apologized for the inconvenience to families, students and staff, but stressed that decisions are made erring on the side of caution.
“Predicting winter weather in Seattle is a challenge, since it often affects different regions at different times,” Enfield said. “Safety for students and staff always comes first. Given the strong indicators that snowfall overnight might impair our roads, all schools will be closed on Wednesday.”
Earlier: Seattle Public Schools decided to send its students home two hours early today (Jan. 17) after the uncertain forecasts of snow turned into a white reality in the north end late in the morning.
The snow was falling while some school buses were still on the road, according to the district's press release. The district said:
All after-school events will be canceled. This includes games, practices, events, plays, meetings, etc. We are canceling all classes this afternoon because of recent winter weather.
Buses in the north end are having difficulty on the roads. This will be operated as a two-hour early release. Buses will continue to drop off all students at schools this morning.
SPS will send an automated phone call to all families notifying them of the two-hour early release, asking them to pick up their student from school, if possible.
Seattle Public Schools is closely monitoring the weather this week, especially for school on Wednesday. Families will receive an automated phone call if school is canceled.
In parts of Ballard, the snow started falling heavily around 10:30 and was still coming shortly before 1 p.m. South-end and downtown traffic cameras from the state Department of Transportation showed clear conditions.
