Weather & Unplanned Schedule Changes
Weather and other unforeseen circumstances may require the Elizabethtown Area School District to close schools, delay the start of school, implement a Bears Virtual Day, or dismiss students early. While every effort is made to maintain the regular school schedule, the safety of our students and employees is always our highest priority.
This page explains the possible schedule changes that may occur and how the District communicates those changes to families.
Possible Schedule Changes
When weather or other unforeseen circumstances warrant, the District may implement one of the following schedule changes:
- School Closure - Schools are closed, and students do not report for in-person or virtual instruction. District offices may also be closed depending on the circumstances.
- Two-Hour Delay - Schools open two hours later than the normal schedule.
- Bears Virtual Day - Students participate in asynchronous instruction from home.
- Early Dismissal - Students are dismissed before the regular end of the school day due to deteriorating weather or other conditions.
To learn more about how weather-related decisions are made, including the factors considered by District administrators and the decision-making process, please visit our How Weather Decisions Are Made webpage.
How Families Are Notified
The District uses multiple communication channels to notify families of weather-related and other unplanned schedule changes.
| Situation | Phone Call | Text | Website | Social Media | |
| Evening-before weather decision (before 8:00 p.m.) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Morning-of weather decision | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Early Dismissal | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Unexpected operational emergency (e.g., power outage, furnace failure, water main break) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Please note: To avoid disturbing households during traditional sleeping hours, the District does not place automated phone calls for weather-related decisions made early on the morning of the affected school day. Families are instead notified by text message, email, the District website, and the District's official social media channels.
Stay Connected
To ensure you receive District notifications, please verify that your contact information is current in your Community Portal account.
The District shares schedule changes and emergency notifications through:
- District Website
- X
- Automated Phone Calls
- Automated Emails
- Automated Text Messages
Receive District Text Messages
To receive District text messages, you must complete a one-time opt-in.
From the mobile phone you wish to receive messages on, text YES to 67587.
Please note:
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Your mobile number must be listed in your Community Portal account.
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If your mobile number is not on file or you have not opted in by texting YES to 67587, you will not receive District text messages.
If you need assistance updating your contact information, please contact Becky Greenly at becky_greenly@etownschools.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't I receive a phone call about a weather delay or closure?
If the weather-related decision was made early on the morning of the school day, the District intentionally does not place automated phone calls to avoid disturbing households during traditional sleeping hours. Instead, notifications are sent by text message, email, posted on the District website, and shared through the District's official social media channels.
How can I make sure I receive District notifications?
Verify that your phone number, email address, and mobile phone number are current in your Community Portal account. To receive text messages, you must also opt in by texting YES to 67587.
Where else can I find schedule change information?
Schedule changes are communicated through the District Website, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, automated text messages, automated emails, and automated phone calls (when applicable).