Weather and Emergency Updates

When weather or emergency conditions affect our area, Franklin Pierce Schools carefully evaluates whether to delay or cancel the school day. District staff assess road conditions, monitor weather forecasts, and consult with local agencies to make the safest possible decision while minimizing disruptions to student learning.

How FPS Shares Weather and Emergency Updates

When weather or emergency conditions affect school operations, Franklin Pierce Schools communicates with staff and families through multiple channels. The district will make every effort to communicate school delays and closures by 5:00 am, although changing conditions or emergency situations may require additional time. We encourage families to ensure their contact information is up to date so they receive notifications as quickly as possible.
 
  • Phone Call – Automated recorded phone messages sent through ParentSquare.
  • Text Message (SMS) – Sent through ParentSquare to enrolled phone numbers.
  • Email – Sent through ParentSquare to the email address on file.
  • District Website – Weather and emergency updates are posted on www.fpschools.org.
  • FlashAlert – Sign up to receive email notifications about school closures and delays from FlashAlert.
  • Local Media – School closures and delays are shared with local media outlets, including KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM, KOMO Newsradio 1000 AM, KIRO 7, KOMO 4, and KING 5.
  • Social Media – Updates are posted on the Franklin Pierce Schools Facebook and Instagram accounts.
If you haven't already done so, please check with your school office to make sure your student's emergency contact information is up-to-date, or you can check and update the information in Family Access.
 

Emergency School Closures and Delays

During a 2-hour late start:

  • In-district bus routes operate on a 2-hour delay. Students should plan to arrive at their regular bus stop 2 hours later than their normal pickup time.
  • No out-of-district transportation is available (morning or afternoon).
  • No transportation is provided for Skills Center or FPS Farm classes.
  • All Early Learning Center sessions (AM and PM) are canceled.
  • All staff members are expected to report to work on time, provided it is safe for them to do so.
  • If a 2-hour late start occurs on an Early Release Wednesday, schools will dismiss at their regular school day end time, not the Early Release Wednesday dismissal time.

View 2-hour delay bell schedules

Select schools closed

  • In the event of a facilities issue or isolated off-campus incident, select schools may be closed.
  • School-year employees are not required to report to work. 
  • Year-round employees are to report to work on time in a manner that is safe for them to do so.
  • If conditions do not allow an employee to report to work or allow an employee to carry out their work, the employee must contact their supervisor.

All schools closed

  • School-year employees are not required to report to work.
  • Year-round employees are to report to work on time in a manner that is safe for them to do so. If conditions do not allow an employee to report to work, the employee must contact their supervisor.

All schools and district offices closed

  • Essential staff members are required to report to work.
  • Year-round employees will be granted administrative leave and school-year employees are not required to report to work.
  • Pre-approved leaves will continue to be charged.

*Essential Staff Members list