Closures & Delays

Emergencies such as inclement weather, power outages and hazardous road conditions can alter school schedules and affect bus transportation. The decision to close or delay schools is made by the superintendent as early as possible, usually around 5:30 a.m. Early dismissals will occur only if a delay in dismissal significantly increases hazards. In the event an early dismissal is required, it is important that you have a plan for your student. 

Access the Limited Roads During Inclement Weather to locate your bus stop during inclement weather. 

  • Your snow stop may be the same as your regular bus stop.
  •  Your afternoon time will remain unchanged.
  • If Northshore school buses use snow routes/stops in the AM, they will also be used in the PM regardless of weather conditions.
  • Please dress your student accordingly for the weather. Even though we state that your stop will be 2 hours late, further delays may occur do to road conditions and traffic. Hat, gloves, coat and boots would be ideal in case they need to wait a little longer.
  • Northshore is a large district and covers over 60 miles, while conditions may seem normal in your neighborhood, it may be unsafe in others. All of this is taken into consideration when a decision is made to cancel, delay, go onto snow routes, or keep everything on normal schedule.

The decision to close schools or delay start times will be announced on flashalert.net, most local radio and television stations and the district website. Families will be notified using the district’s emergency messaging systems and mobile app. You may also call the district information line at 425-408-6001, beginning at 6 a.m., for school closure information. Emergency make-up days will be added to the end of the school year. 

If “Northshore School District #417” is not mentioned during the newscast, it means schools are open, with buses operating as normally as possible. If Northshore is mentioned, one of the following situations will be announced:

1. “2 hours late, normal bus routes” means:

  • Buses start 2 hours late on normal routes
  • School starts 2 hours late with regular dismissal time
  • All partial programs canceled
  • No ATP Networks, Sorenson ECC, Headstart or preschool/pre-k programs, indistrict CTE satellite shuttles, Dartmoor, and Dolan Academy
  • No out-of-district transportation
  • No elementary band/orchestra orzero-period classes

2. “2 hours late, snow (limited or alternate) bus routes” means:

  • Buses start 2 hours late on snow routes. NOTE: Snow routes will be posted in early November.
  • School starts 2 hours late
  • All partial programs canceled (Sorenson ECC, preschool, ATP at Bothell High School, Head Start, Dartmoor, and Dolan Academy)
  • No out-of-district transportation
  • No elementary band/orchestra, zero-period, CTE

3. “On time, snow (limited or alternate) bus routes” means:

  • Buses start at normal time on snow (limited or alternate) routes. Visit www.nsd.org/nsdtransportation to find snow routes.
  • School starts 2 hours late
  • All partial programs canceled (Sorenson ECC, preschool, ATP at Bothell High School, Head Start, Dartmoor, and Dolan Academy)
  • No out-of-district transportation
  • No elementary band/orchestra, zero-period, CTE

4. “Closed” means:

  • All district schools closed
  • No after-school/evening activities, athletics or band/orchestra

Snow bus route locations will be available on the Transportation website in early November at www.nsd.org/nsdtransportation, or by contacting the Transportation Department at 425.408.7900.

Changing conditions may cause the district to alter the status of school. Listen to radio and television for the latest information.

School Closure Information

Please visit the Weather and Emergency Information webpage regarding inclement weather, including the Snow/Ice/Emergency Bulletin and determining how schools are closed.

Decision Process for School Status Changes Northshore staff follow a very complex process-one not undertaken lightly but always with the utmost concern for the safety of our students and staff.

Weather Forecasts