Essex County Public Schools
Pathways to Excellence
Inclement Weather Delays, Early Dismissals, and Closings
Weather-Related Schedule Changes
If hazardous weather poses a risk, schools may open late, dismiss early, or close for the day. Announcements are posted on the ECPS website and social media, the most reliable sources for updates. Notifications are also sent via School Messenger and shared with media outlets, though media reports may not always be accurate.
Preparing for Emergency School Closings
Decisions to close or delay school openings are made as early as possible, typically by 5:30 a.m. Updates are posted on ECPS social media and the division website, the most reliable sources for accurate information. Parents/guardians with a valid email address on file will receive a School Messenger alert.
Local media outlets (TV Channels 12, 8, 6; FM stations 105.5 and 107.5) are also notified, but ECPS cannot guarantee how quickly or accurately they report the information.
During severe weather, ECPS monitors forecasts and road conditions closely and consults local service agencies as needed. If schools remain open, no announcements are made.
Delayed Openings / Early Dismissals
When schools operate on a delayed opening, division vehicles can operate more safely once traffic has cleared and roads are treated. If schools close early (during the day), announcements are usually made by 10:30 a.m. Afternoon and evening activities are canceled when schools close early.
Families should have an emergency plan for early dismissals due to inclement weather. Review this plan with your child(ren) so they know what to do. While early dismissals are avoided whenever possible, they may be necessary for safety reasons.
Countywide Weather Decisions
Hazardous conditions in one part of the county, such as icy or flooded roads, may lead to a delayed opening or early dismissal even if your neighborhood appears safe. Essex County Public Schools operates as a system, so unless a single school is closed for an isolated reason, announcements apply to all ECPS schools. The safety of our scholars and staff is always our top priority.
Emergency Closings and the School Calendar
Make-up instructional days are built into the ECPS calendar and may be added throughout the year or at the end of the school year if needed. If additional days are required, the School Board may extend the school year. The official ECPS calendar is available on the ECPS website at https://www.essex.k12.va.us/ and the ECPS Facebook page.
Asynchronous Instruction During School Closings (Remote learning from home.)
When possible, or deemed necessary, asynchronous learning will be used on inclement-weather days, allowing instruction to continue even when schools are closed. This approach works best when educators can prepare in advance and provide assignments beforehand. Additionally, this guidance from educators ensures that learning remains structured, meaningful, and aligned with academic goals.
Asynchronous instruction does not apply to late arrivals, early dismissals, or situations where instructional materials cannot be distributed before the decision to close schools.
Inclement Weather Staff Codes
The following codes are used to notify employees about working conditions. Updates are posted on the ECPS Facebook page and on the division website at https://www.essex.k12.va.us/. While information is also shared with local television and radio stations, the ECPS website remains the most reliable source for accurate and timely updates.
In the event of an early dismissal due to weather or other emergencies, the Superintendent or designee will decide for the school division. Local media outlets will be informed of the closure, and updates will be posted on the website and social media.
Code 2 | 2-hour delay for staff and students. If necessary, staff may use liberal leave*. Essential employees and safety personnel report on time. |
Code Blue | Schools are closed for staff and students. Essential employees and safety personnel report to work by 9 a.m. |
Code Red | All schools/buildings are closed. No employees report to work. |
Essential Employees:
Maintenance
Custodial staff
School safety personnel
*Liberal Leave is unscheduled leave that employees may use when weather events or road conditions prevent them from reporting to work as usual. Employees must notify their supervisor if they plan to use liberal leave and submit the appropriate leave request in Frontline. Otherwise, time will be charged to the appropriate leave category, such as personal, annual, or leave without pay.