Weather Closing Procedures

Weather Closing Procedures

Radford City Public Schools places the safety of students, families, and employees at the center of every decision involving severe weather, delayed openings, school closings, and remote learning.

School Closings and Codes

The announced closing code determines which employees report and whether activities may take place.

Schools Closed — Code 0

  • No students report.
  • Ten- and eleven-month employees do not report.
  • No extracurricular activities are held.
  • Directors, principals, and other twelve-month employees do not report unless directed to do so.
  • Maintenance and custodial staff report as requested. A directed arrival time and duration will be provided with compensation.
  • The Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Director of Operations remain available.

Schools Closed — Code 1

  • No students report.
  • Ten- and eleven-month employees do not report.
  • No extracurricular activities are held unless otherwise announced.
  • Directors, principals, and other twelve-month employees report when directed.
  • Maintenance and custodial staff report as directed.
  • The Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Director of Operations report.

Schools Closed — Code 2

  • No students report.
  • Ten- and eleven-month employees do not report unless directed to do so.
  • No extracurricular activities are held unless otherwise announced.
  • Maintenance and custodial staff, directors, principals, and other twelve-month employees report as directed.
  • The Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, and Director of Operations report.

Two-Hour Delay Schedule for Students

Middle and Secondary Students — Grades 7–12

Doors open: 9:30 a.m.
Tardy bell: 9:50 a.m.

PreK4 and Elementary Students — Grades K–6

Doors open: 10:15 a.m.
Tardy bell: 10:35 a.m.
Departure: Regular dismissal time

PreK3 Students

Morning Group Arrival: 10:45 a.m.
Departure: 1:15 p.m.
Afternoon Group Arrival: 1:15 p.m.
Departure: 3:00 p.m.

Two-Hour Delay Schedule for RCPS Employees

  • Maintenance, custodial, and cafeteria employees report at their regular times.
  • Support staff report as directed by their supervisors.
  • Twelve-month employees report at 9:00 a.m. unless otherwise directed.
  • All other faculty and staff report two hours later than normal unless otherwise directed.

Please note: Information about late arrivals, early dismissals, or changes to these procedures will be shared through an official RCPS alert and local news outlets.

School Closing and Remote Learning FAQ

Select a question below to view the answer.

Who makes the decision to close schools or shift to remote learning?

The Superintendent, in consultation with members of the Radford City Public Schools leadership team, makes the local decision. Decisions are based first on safety and operational conditions. The decision and learning plan must also align with state guidance and requirements for instructional time and student services.

What is the first priority when making a closing decision?

Safety is the first priority. Every decision considers whether conditions could create unsafe travel or operations for students, families, and employees. This is especially important during morning bus routes and afternoon dismissal.

What information does RCPS review before making a decision?

RCPS typically considers:

  • The timing and severity of forecasts for ice, snow, wind, flooding, or storms
  • Road conditions, including bridges and shaded roads where melting may occur slowly
  • Temperature and wind chill, particularly for students waiting at bus stops
  • Power outages and the reliability of utilities
  • Building conditions and the ability to operate safely
How does the timing of severe weather affect the decision?

Timing is very important. Even if the school day can begin safely, worsening conditions near dismissal may create:

  • Increased risks along bus routes
  • Unsafe walking conditions for students
  • Dangerous driving conditions
  • Reduced visibility or rapidly forming ice
Why might RCPS make a different decision from nearby school divisions?

Conditions can differ considerably from one locality to another. RCPS must consider its own bus routes, road conditions, elevations, buildings, and local forecasts. Factors affecting Radford and surrounding Southwest Virginia communities may include:

  • Unique bus routes, varying elevations, and rapidly changing weather
  • Shaded roads that may freeze first and remain icy longer
  • Limited alternate routes when a road is blocked or unsafe
How will families and employees be notified?

RCPS communicates closings, delays, and schedule changes through multiple channels:

  • ParentSquare calls, text messages, emails, and app alerts. Visit the RCPS ParentSquare information page to learn more about ParentSquare and how to receive notifications.
  • The RCPS website
  • Official RCPS social media accounts
  • Local media, including WDBJ7, WSLS, WSET, WFXR, Q99-FM, K92, and PSK 107.1 FM

Families and employees should keep their contact information current to ensure they receive RCPS alerts.

What determines whether RCPS closes or uses a remote learning day?

A key consideration is whether RCPS can equitably provide content review, practice, and appropriate student services remotely. The division must consider whether:

  • Students and employees have sufficient utilities
  • Students with IEPs or Section 504 plans can access appropriate services
  • Student support services are available when appropriate
  • Student meals can be made available
  • Students and employees have clear expectations and access to needed technology or supplies
  • Students who cannot access remote content have opportunities to complete their work without penalty

RCPS must determine whether an appropriate remote learning environment can be provided under the conditions, including the availability of electricity, internet service, and safe roads.

What is an unscheduled remote learning day in Virginia?

An unscheduled remote learning day is a day originally scheduled for in-person instruction that is changed to remote learning because of severe weather or another emergency. Emergencies may include natural or human-caused disasters, threats to health and safety, or power and utility failures.

How does RCPS support students with disabilities on remote learning days?

RCPS works to meet applicable state and federal requirements and ensure that students with disabilities can access appropriate services identified in their individualized education programs or Section 504 plans, in accordance with Virginia Department of Education guidance.

What if a family does not have reliable internet access?

RCPS recognizes that some students may be unable to access online content during a remote learning day. The division works to provide students with sufficient opportunities to complete instruction and assignments without penalty.

Remote learning may also take place without internet access through resources such as paper packets, flash drives, or similar instructional materials.