How We Decide on Closures and Delays

At Bloomingdale Public Schools, student and staff safety is our top priority when deciding to close schools or delay starts. Here's what we consider:

• Weather Conditions: Current and forecasted conditions for the day.

• Road Safety: Road closures, advisories, and travel conditions, including whether buses can safely transport students to and from school.

• School Readiness: The ability to prepare our buildings for students' arrival.

Key factors include:

• Snowfall and drifting conditions

• Wind strength and visibility

• Temperature and wind chill

• Power outages or other utility disruptions

• Weather forecasts and advisories

District staff monitor roadways, consult weather experts, and communicate with neighboring districts and agencies overnight to make the best decision possible.

Timing of Announcements

• Morning Decisions: Every effort will be made to inform families by 5:30 a.m. about a closure or delay.

• Evening Decisions: When sufficient information is available the evening before, and it’s clear that conditions will not be safe for school, a closure may be announced the night before.

• Priority for Morning Decisions: In most cases, we wait until early morning to prioritize having students in school when it’s safe and possible.

Even if schools remain open, please note that driving conditions may still be hazardous due to snow, ice, or reduced visibility. It’s imperative that all drivers, including parents and students, exercise extreme caution and make advance planning for additional travel time.

How We Communicate Closures or Delays

When schools are closed or delayed, you’ll hear from us via:

• District Website: bdalecards.com

• Social Media: Follow us on Facebook at “Bloomingdale Public Schools.”

• Thrillshare Alerts: Parents and staff will receive phone calls, emails, texts, and push notifications. (Download the BPS App here: Android or iOS)

• Local Media Outlets: Announcements will be shared with:

  • Channel 3 (WWMT)

  • Fox 17 West Michigan

  • Channel 13 (WZZM)

  • Wood TV 8

Delayed Start Information

In some cases, schools may start 2 hours later instead of closing entirely.

• Start Time: Add 2 hours to the regular start time, including bus pick-up times.

• End Time: Dismissal remains at the regular time.

• Transportation: Morning bus pick-up is 2 hours later than normal; afternoon drop-off is unchanged.

• Meals: Breakfast and lunch will be served, but times may adjust.

• Van Buren Tech: Morning classes are excused; afternoon classes will follow their regular schedule.

• Athletics and Activities: Generally, these continue as scheduled, with updates provided via Thrillshare for field trips or other events.

Emergency Closures & Athletics/Activities

If schools are closed for the day:

• Athletics and After-School Activities: These may or may not be canceled. A Thrillshare message will be sent by noon with updates.

• Van Buren Tech: Students are excused from all classes.

Stay Informed

To ensure you receive timely updates, make sure your contact information is up-to-date in Thrillshare. Contact the secretary in your child’s building if you need to update your information.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our students safe during inclement weather!