Emergency Info
Emergency Info
Inclement Weather or Emergency Conditions/Events
Freeman School District also uses an auto-notification system to let parents and staff know about school delays and closures. We will contact the phone numbers listed in the student information system for your family in the event of a weather incident. You can see what number we have on file for you by logging into WESPaC’s Family Access. The phone call will come from caller ID 509-291-3695.
Inclement weather or emergency conditions/events happen from time to time and may force a change in the school day. As routine is very important to our students, parents and community, the district will make every effort to adhere to the established school calendar and bell schedules; however, the safety of students and employees is the highest priority. We have a process in place to make decisions about the school day and communicate this information to parents, students and staff.
Please remember that inclement weather, the emergency condition/event and/or traffic may affect the bus schedule and we ask that families be patient and understanding. We will do everything in our control to provide accurate information regarding pick up times for your students.
Recommendation and Decisions
The Superintendent makes the final decision on whether the school day is changed (late start/early dismissal) or canceled due to inclement weather or another emergency condition/event. Depending on the type of emergency, this decision will be made with input from district employees and/or the appropriate agency; i.e. police, fire, utilities, etc.
When possible, decisions regarding school delays or closures due to weather-related issues are made by 5:00 a.m. Notification of changes regarding the school day may utilize any of the following: School Messenger, the district website and local area radio and television media. Messages you may see or hear include the following:
- No announcement: Schools are open.
- Two (2) Hour Delay: Schools and buses will run two hours late. Dismissal will be at the regular time unless otherwise announced. In addition to school running two (2) hours late, the following will be in effect:
- Buses will run normal routes
- No breakfast program
For school-specific emergencies (i.e. loss of power/heat), the district will follow the same decision process as listed above to determine if the school day will be canceled, delayed or dismissed early for that school.
If schools are closed for any reason for one day, they will be open the following day unless information to the contrary is announced.
How should you prepare for changes to the school day?
Every family should have a home emergency 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 delayed, cancelled or dismissed early. Ensure that a neighbor, family member or care center is able to care for or receive students during a change to the school day. Instruct students to report directly home or to their established care center immediately after school.
Activities/Athletics
When schools are closed district school activities, events and athletic games and practices may be postponed or canceled.
Winter Weather Procedures
❄️ Winter Weather Information ❄️
According to several forecasts, this winter may bring more snow than we’ve seen in recent years. We want to be sure all Freeman families are prepared in advance for possible schedule changes due to inclement weather.
📢 Communication
If weather impacts the school day, we will share updates by 6:00 a.m. through:
• Automated emails, texts, and voice messages-please ensure your contact information in Skyward is accurate and Freeman SD is not blocked.
• The Freeman School District website and our Facebook & Instagram pages
• Local news stations (note: their reports may not always be accurate — please rely on Freeman messaging first)
🌨️ Weather Monitoring
When snow or ice is in the forecast, our Transportation Director and staff drive routes early in the morning to check conditions. Maintenance crews begin plowing and clearing parking lots and sidewalks before staff and students arrive. Even with these efforts, icy spots may remain—please use extra caution!
🚍 Delays and Cancellations
Our goal is always to keep schools open when possible.
• Two-Hour Delay: School begins at 10:15 a.m. Breakfast will not be served. Staff should report when they can safely do so.
• Cancellation: All school programs, activities, and events are canceled for the entire day and evening, even if conditions later improve. The day will be made up on the next scheduled make-up day.
🧊 Safety Tip: Walk Like a Penguin!
• Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles.
• Take short steps and keep your arms slightly out for balance.
• Hold onto your vehicle when getting in or out.
Thank you for your continued cooperation in helping keep our Freeman students, staff, and families safe this winter!