How to Learn of School Cancellations

  • Read our Inclement Weather FAQs for more details

    The winter weather season is here, so parents are encouraged to stay connected with the district in several ways to learn of school cancellations.

    When the chance for severe or inclement weather looms, we will only post the cancellation of school, athletic events and other activities. We will not post when school, athletic events and activities are proceeding as scheduled.

    If school is canceled due to snow or bad weather, the information will be available in these ways:

    • Notification to parents and staff via text and email information on file
    • Local television and radio stations
    • District website — http://www.olatheschools.org
    • Facebook — go to "Olathe Public Schools"
    • Twitter — look for "Olathe Schools"
    • By calling the district information line, 913-780-8000

    Any parent who is in the district's system, and who has included a cell phone number, will receive a text message in case of the cancellation of school. If there has been a change in a parent's phone number or email address since enrollment, please notify the child's school.

    No Early Dismissal

    If school is in session when deteriorating weather conditions are present, regular dismissal time will be observed rather than dismissing students early from school. District administrators are mindful of safety issues such as transportation, particularly for those students who normally ride the bus or are driven to and from school; lack of supervision at home because of an unscheduled dismissal; and the uncertainty of sending children away from a protected school environment and out into hazardous weather conditions.

    Facility Usage/Building Rental

    If school is canceled for the entire day, all facility usage/building rentals will also be canceled.

    If school has been in session all day but evening district activities are canceled, facility usage/building rentals will also be canceled.

    Athletics and Activities

    The final decision about whether to cancel school activities will be made at the district level. Administrators understand the importance of these activities, but the safety of students is always of greater importance.

    If school has been canceled for the entire day:

    • All middle school and elementary school activities (practices, games, and other activities) will be canceled.
    • With district-level approval, high school activities may be allowed to take place. This includes practices, contests and travel to events outside the city.
    • Updates on the status of scheduled events will be communicated by building administrators, coaches/sponsors when final decisions have been made.

    Plan A Inclement Weather Procedures — No School

    • All district facilities are closed
    • Facility rental is canceled
    • Johnson County Parks and Recreation daycare is closed
    • Students do not report to school
    • Activities:
      • Decisions on high school activities will be made later in the day
      • No elementary or middle school activities or athletics
    • Staff do not report to work

    Plan B Inclement Weather Procedures — No School

    • All district facilities are closed
    • Facility rental is canceled
    • Johnson County Parks and Recreation daycare is open at Forest View Elementary, Indian Creek Elementary, Mahaffie Elementary, Meadow Lane Elementary and Sunnyside Elementary (2023-24 school year)
    • Students do not report to school
    • Activities:
      • Decisions on high school activities will be made later in the day
      • No elementary or middle school activities or athletics
    • Staff:
      • Do not report to work: school building certified or classified staff
      • Report to work (as directed by supervisor): facilities, grounds, maintenance, custodial, food service staff
      • Work remotely: Education Center, Technology Support Center, Instructional Resource Center certified and classified staff (as directed by the superintendent); building principals and assistant principals; building and district secretaries may work remotely per administrator request