The weather in Southern Missouri can be unpredictable, which can make it challenging for the district to navigate school closures and cancellations. However, Houston Schools will make every possible effort to make and communicate informed decisions as early as possible.  The safety of our students, staff and community will be the top priority of all decision making.  

If inclement weather arrives in the district, the Superintendent and Director of Transportation will monitor conditions and determine if school can be held. They will follow these procedures for decision making and communications:

• Cancellations the night before classes will be made by 9 p.m.

• Cancellations the morning of classes will be made no earlier than 5 a.m. and no later than 6 a.m.

• If school is already in session and inclement weather arrives or moves into the area, early dismissal may be made at any moment at the discretion of school officials.

• Notifications will be shared by phone call, text message, school app, social media and local media outlets.

• Private messages and comments will not be answered by the district when it relates to weather announcements. All decisions will be shared formally by the mediums listed above.

• Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) may be used at the discretion of school officials. Further information would be provided at that time. 

Our top priority is the safety of our students and staff, and in these situations we will implement the plans we have in place. Depending on how the situation develops, we need to be prepared for the following actions:

HERE ARE THE POSSIBILITIES OF HOW THE DAY COULD LOOK:

• We have a full day of school. School operates as usual and buildings will implement severe weather procedures. Buses will run like normal. We practice and conduct drills regularly and will implement those plans.

• We have an early dismissal. Students are released early in order to make sure students get home before severe weather hits.

• We have a delayed dismissal. Students remain at school past regular dismissal time until the severe weather threat passes. Our schools are safe places to be in severe weather and we want to make sure our students stay safe.

• Be flexible. As you know, the weather in Missouri can change very quickly from the original forecast. The safety of students and staff will be the top priority during decision making. We thank you, in advance, for your flexibility, patience, and understanding.

  
  HOW WE WILL COMMUNICATE WITH YOU (IF THE NORMAL DAY IS CHANGED):

• Be prepared to receive PUSH NOTIFICATIONS from the district. If you have not downloaded our app, please follow this link: https://www.houston.k12.mo.us/page/app

• Be prepared to receive text alerts. Families of students should already be in our system. If you are not, please contact communications@houston.k12.mo.us for assistance.

• Follow us on social media. Along with Facebook, we are on X (Twitter) and Instagram with the same handle: @houstonmotigers

  
  We are always working closely with internal and external sources to monitor all safety conditions and will communicate as needed.