Inclement Weather Procedures
From time to time throughout the school year, weather may force a change in the
normal operating routine of the district. The district has in place a process to make
decisions and the ability to communicate information to parents, students and staff in
various matters about changes to the normal daily routine.
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. The following
information will clarify how recommendations and decisions are made regarding the
delay or possible closure of school, how information is disseminated to the families
and as a community what you can expect
.
As inclement weather and traffic will affect the bus schedule, 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. Please remember, the safety of your children is our primary concern.
Recommendation and Decisions
At approximately 3:30 a.m., designated transportation personnel begin ongoing communication with the
county public works departments, driving roads throughout the district to determine the ability to safely
transport students via school buses, determine the status of arterials (major and minor) making note of
specific challenging areas; and reviews existing and anticipated weather patterns through the NW
Weathernet, National Weather Service, various news stations and surrounding school districts. Between
4:45 – 5:00 a.m., the Transportation Director meets with the Superintendent and relays the gathered
information. The Superintendent then determines the feasibility of safely transporting children to and from
school within North Mason School District.
When at all possible, decisions regarding school delays or closures are made by 5:00 a.m. North Mason
School District uses a minimum of three separate communication processes to notify our families of
changes regarding the normal routine. Each family's primary residence phone line is contacted with a
standardized message of the anticipated change, the use of local area radio and television media stations
is used to report the changes and the district's web page will report any changes.
Parents can call the Closure/Delay Hotline to hear a recorded message announcing any school closures
or delays. (360) 277-2390
What changes can parents expect?
The following emergency condition messages will be most commonly used by the North Mason School District:
Snow Routes in Effect. This means buses will begin their routes on their normal schedule time.
Limited bus service will be available in specified neighborhoods that require alternate service locations.
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 morning preschool,
academic before school, Pace session one, morning Boys & Girls Club and breakfast will not be served
at school.
Two Hours Late – Snow Routes in Effect. This means buses will begin their first route two hours late.
Limited bus service will be available in specified neighborhood areas that require alternate service
locations.
Schools Closed. This means all North Mason schools are closed for all regular and/or special education
students. No transportation will be provided to other schools outside of our district even though they may
be open and operating on schedule. 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.
Emergency Bus Route(s). This means a particular bus route or routes have been affected by a wind
storm, mud slide or emergency road closure, limiting bus service to a specified neighborhood or region
of the district.
How should you prepare for changes to the school day?
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
delayed or cancelled. Ensure a neighbor, family member or daycare center is able to care for or receive students.
Instruct students to report directly home or to their established daycare center immediately on arrival in the evening.
Public media stations that report school delays and closures:
Television
Radio
AM Band
FM Band
KOMO 4
KCIS 630
KPLU 88.5
KING 5
KIRO 710
KVTI 90.9
KIRO 7
KIXI 880
KUBE 93.3
KCPQ 13
KOMO 1000
KMPS 94.1
KLAY 1180
KIRO 97.3
KGY 1240
KCMS 105.3
Monday Early Release
If school is delayed on Monday Collaboration, Students will be release at the normal Monday early
release bell schedule.
 North Mason High School – 1:30 pm
 Hawkins Middle School – 1:25 pm
 Elementary Schools – 2:30 pm
What Are Snow Routes?
Our Buses will provide limited transportation when snow and/or icy roads result in hazardous conditions.
Please visit our list of “Snow Routes” or visit the district snow route map at “Snow Route Map” Bus
schedule timing is less predictable in snowy weather; students should plan on getting to their stops a few
minutes early. If the stop is in the middle of a hill, students must walk to the top or the bottom of a hill for
an alternate bus stop. Once snow routes are announced for the day, they will be in effect for the entire
day, even if road conditions improve.
What Are Snow Route Regions?
Due to our geographic location, Mason County can have several “Micro-Climates” during winter events,
so localized conditions can vary drastically from one region to another. North Mason school district is
divided into three separate regions, Tahuya region, Trail Ends and Mason Lakes region and Belfair/Allyn
region. To view map click Snow Route Region map. There are many times the Tahuya region had
significant snowfall whereas the remainder of the school district had little to no snowfall. Dividing the
district into these region will allow district officials to announce a particular region that has been directly
impacted by weather on snow routes and leave the remainder of the district on normal operating
schedules. To view snow routes by regions Snow Routes by Regions.
WHAT ARE SNOW ROUTES?
Our buses will provide limited transportation when snow and/or icy roads result in hazardous conditions.
Please visit see which bus your child should take. Bus schedule timing is less predictable in snowy
weather; students should plan on getting to their stops a few minutes early. Please don’t wait until it
snows to look at the snow schedule. Many of our buses make a very limited number of stops.
NOTE: If ‘Snow Routes’ are announced, they will be in effect for the entire day, regardless of weather
conditions.
EARLY-RELEASE WEDNESDAYS
If school is delayed on a Wednesday, there will be no early release. Students will be released on a
regular schedule:



Bremerton High School - 2:07 pm
Mountain View Middle School - 2:50 pm
District Elementary Schools -3:40 pm (Naval Avenue releases at 3:30 pm)