Jump to School & Snowy Weather
MORNING ACCESS TO SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Students may only be in the school building if there is appropriate supervision. Your child’s school has established the hours that students will be supervised. These hours should have been communicated to families; if you are not aware of the hours that students may be in the school building, please contact your school’s main office.
Please be aware that schools do not have the ability to provide supervision at all times. As such, students will not be allowed in the school building outside the hours of supervision, even during cold mornings. If you are concerned about your child being outside when the weather is cold or stormy, please be sure to bring them to school only during the established supervision hours.
RECESS & AIR QUALITY
Schools rely on guidance from the Utah Department of Health when it comes to recess and air quality. This guidance calls on schools to monitor Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 and Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, and take action accordingly.
The guidance takes into account students with respiratory symptoms and pre-existing conditions who may be more sensitive to poor air quality. Parents, with the advice of their health care provider, should inform the school if their child is part of a sensitive group who should have limited outdoor physical activity when air quality is poor.
SNOWY WEATHER
The Salt Lake Valley averages about 55 inches of snowfall annually. ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’ does present challenges, but it is nonetheless a reality for our region.
Like all public services, Granite School District aims to keep schools open whenever possible. Closures or delays due to snowy weather are rare.
However, it’s a fact that not all streets are plowed at the same time, and snow totals may differ from city to city. Therefore, we trust in parents to make the ultimate decision on taking kids to school. If you do not think it is safe to travel or send your kids to school in snowy weather, please keep them home. School officials will be lenient regarding tardiness and absences during inclement weather.
Prior to and during a snowstorm, district staff receive up-to-date reports on road conditions, bus transportation capability, and the status of school buildings. Schools will likely be open If reports indicate buildings can be opened and operated, and buses can safely transport children. Beyond education services, we need to consider the impact of a sudden school closure. Many parents cannot adjust work schedules on short notice, leaving students unsupervised at home. Plus, many students rely on school meals for basic nutrition.
If reports indicate significant challenges, schools may implement a delayed start, closure, or designate the day for distance learning.
Parents will be notified as soon as possible should one of these be implemented. Please ensure your contact information listed on school records is accurate. The district’s website and social media accounts will also post emergency closure information.