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
- FM Radio - EZ Rock 105.7 FM, The River 105.1 FM, Giant FM 91.7
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 on inclement weather days
- If you decide to keep your child home, you MUST report your child's absence on www.dsbn.org/safearrival. This helps ensure we know 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
- Principals make the decisions on whether or not to hold recess outdoors during cold weather days
- Principals make these decisions as weather conditions vary considerably from one area to the next in Niagara
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: when schools are closed, learning options will be available for elementary students 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 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: To inform their decision, NSTS carefully considers weather forecasts and real-time weather conditions, in consultation with bus companies who have drivers out on the roads to test road conditions. 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.