The safety and well-being of students and staff is our top priority and the decision to close, delay or
release school is no simple matter. Before deciding to modify the school day due to extreme
weather conditions, the Superintendent consults with a variety of experts both inside and outside of
the District. Our commitment is to keep students, families and staff safe, as well as keep the
community informed of weather-related school closings, delays and cancellations.
Please note that we continually monitor the forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) in
order to make the best decision for students, staff and families in a timely manner. The District
utilizes information from the NWS for Des Moines. The NWS’s National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) wind chill and heat index charts are utilized in the District’s
decision making process. The NOAA wind chill and heat index charts can be found under
Appendix A of these guidelines.
Announcements of District weather-related decisions are communicated through local media
outlets (television, radio, newspaper) and multiple District communication platforms. Notification
will be sent directly to families by phone and email through the District’s Infinite Campus system
and posted on the District’s website www.vmbulldogs.com . To receive notification through the
District’s Infinite Campus system, please ensure your contact information (e-mail and phone) is
accurate in Infinite Campus and is set up correctly. Announcements will also be posted to Van
Meter Schools social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). High school activity and athletic
event decisions are communicated by the building administrator/designee.
Mr. Tibbetts will send out information in regard to preschool classes directly to parents of preschool children.
We try to make decisions as early as possible, but sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate. Hopefully, we won't have to make too many weather related decisions this winter:). More information about inclement weather and hard surfaced bus routes can be at vmbulldogs.com under the menu and weather related guidelines.
