Bus Cancellations and School Closures
Decisions about transportation cancellations and school closures will be announced by 6:00 a.m. on the day of the cancellation or closure on DSBN’s websites and social media. Local media will share these updates as well.
Websites
Social Media
Media
- AM Radio - CKTB 610 AM, Classic 1220 AM
- FM Radio - EX Rock 105.7 FM, The River 105.1 FM, MORE 101.1 FM, KX 94.7 FM, Giant FM 91.7, Niagara's New Country 89.1 FM
- Television - CHCH, TV Cogeco, CP24, CTV News, Global News
- Online/print - St. Catharines Standard, Niagara Falls Review, Welland Tribune
Important for Families
Reporting Absences on Inclement Weather Days
- It is a parent/guardian's decision whether or not they send their child to school in inclement weather days
- If you decide to keep your child home, you MUST report your child's absence on www.dsbn.org/safearrival so we can make sure your child is home safe
Reminders for Bus Riders
- When bus transportation is cancelled in the morning, this means it is cancelled for the full day
- NSTS posts timely updates about delays and cancellations to their website
- Parents can opt-in to receive notifications about delays and cancellations through the NSTS Parent Portal
- Buses may be delayed on cold weather days; remember to dress warm - extra layers, a winter coat, hats, gloves, thick socks and warm boots
Virtual Schools
- If the decision is made to close schools, this includes both in-person AND virtual schools
Extreme Weather Protocol
- School principals make the decisions on whether or not to hold recess outdoors during cold weather days
- Principals make these decisions because in Niagara, weather conditions vary considerably from one area to the next
Child Care Centres
- Child Care Centres are responsible for directly notifying parents of their protocol in cases of inclement weather and school closures
- To find bus cancellation and school closure information, Child Care Centres monitor our website, social media, as well as local media
Learning Activities during School Closures
- ELEMENTARY: learning options will be available for elementary students when schools are closed on our home page dsbn.org
- SECONDARY: when schools are closed, secondary students are encouraged to use the time to review classroom notes, lessons, and/or complete outstanding projects or assignments on their D2L and/or Google Classroom
How the Decisions are Made
The safety of students, families and staff is a top priority.
Decisions about school closures and transportation cancellations are not taken lightly. They are made after careful consideration and in consultation with local and regional agencies, and our coterminous board (Niagara Catholic District School Board).
Cancelling Transportation: NSTS makes the decision to cancel transportation based on weather forecasts and in consultation with bus companies, who have drivers out on the roads testing the road conditions. NSTS considers the real-time weather conditions, the forecasted weather, and the forecasted road conditions extremely carefully to inform their decision.
NSTS will make the decision to cancel buses if it is determined that students cannot be transported to school and back home safely.
Closing Schools: school closures are determined by the Director of Education. The decision to close schools is separate from the decision to cancel transportation. When schools are closed, it refers to all schools - both in-person and virtual schools.