ACPS believes that school is important for every child, and learning happens every day. However, weather and road conditions may occasionally delay or close schools. Due to Amherst County’s large size and varying terrain, severe weather can impact one part of the county but not another. Staying informed is essential.

How We Make Weather Decisions

When bad weather is expected, ACPS works closely with local emergency services and police. We evaluate road conditions, check the areas around schools, and review weather reports. A decision to delay or close schools is made by 5:30 a.m. Once a decision is made, we notify:

• Local radio and TV stations
• The school division’s website and social media pages
• The mass communication system – phone, email, and text message

Please avoid calling schools to ask about closures or delays—this may tie up phone lines needed for handling emergencies.

Two-Hour Delays

• All delays are two hours.
• Students should be at the bus stop two hours later than usual.
• Students dropped off by family should arrive two hours later than normal.
• Early arrivals may be unsafe since staff may not be available to provide supervision, and the building may still be closed.

School Closures

• If schools close, it applies to all schools in the division (schools do not close individually).
• Closure notices for local media will also include information for staff.
• When schools are closed, teachers are not expected to work unless otherwise notified.
• Administrators, maintenance staff, custodians, and other essential staff should report to work unless they are told otherwise.

Early Dismissals

If schools close early due to an emergency, families should have a plan in place. Make sure your child knows what to do if they come home early, such as:

• Going to a neighbor’s house
• Having a spare house key
• Being supervised by an older sibling

Safety Comes First

Our goal is to keep students and staff safe. Thank you for working with us to make sure everyone stays safe during severe weather!

Television Stations:

WDBJ Channel 7

WSET Channel 13

WSLS Channel 10

WFXR Channel 21 & 27