Virginia Beach school closings can occur due to various reasons, including severe weather conditions, holidays, or unexpected emergencies. Being aware of potential school closures helps families prepare and make necessary arrangements to ensure the safety and well-being of their children. Whether it’s a snowstorm, hurricane, or a scheduled holiday break, Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) has systems in place to notify parents, students, and staff about school closings and delays.
In this article, we’ll explore the common reasons for Virginia Beach school closings, how to stay updated on closure notifications, and how to prepare for unexpected school cancellations.
Reasons for Virginia Beach School Closings
There are several reasons why schools in Virginia Beach may close temporarily. These include inclement weather, emergencies, and scheduled holidays.
Inclement Weather
Virginia Beach is located in a coastal area, making it susceptible to severe weather events such as hurricanes, snowstorms, and heavy rain. Weather-related school closings are often put in place to protect students and staff from dangerous conditions.
- Snow and Ice: Though snow is less common in Virginia Beach compared to northern regions, winter storms that bring snow or ice can lead to hazardous road conditions. When driving becomes unsafe for school buses and families, schools may close or delay opening.
- Hurricanes and Tropical Storms: Virginia Beach experiences hurricane season from June to November. When tropical storms or hurricanes are forecasted to affect the area, schools may close to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families.
- Flooding and Heavy Rain: Coastal areas like Virginia Beach can experience flooding during heavy rain events. Flooded roads can make transportation unsafe, leading to school closings.
Emergencies
School closings can also occur in response to emergencies, such as power outages, water main breaks, or situations that pose safety risks to students and staff. In such cases, schools may close for a day or longer until the issue is resolved.
- Health-Related Closures: Schools may close due to health-related concerns, such as flu outbreaks or pandemics. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, schools across the country, including in Virginia Beach, closed for extended periods to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Building Maintenance Issues: Schools may also close due to issues such as heating failures, broken plumbing, or structural damage. These closures are typically short-term, with schools reopening once the issue has been addressed.
Scheduled Holidays and Breaks
Virginia Beach City Public Schools also close for scheduled holidays, including national holidays, winter break, spring break, and teacher workdays. These closures are planned well in advance, allowing families to make arrangements accordingly.
- Holidays: Schools are closed on national holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and Memorial Day.
- Breaks: Winter break and spring break provide students and staff with extended time off during the academic year.
How to Stay Informed About Virginia Beach School Closings
Staying informed about school closings in Virginia Beach is essential for parents, students, and staff. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to receive timely notifications and updates about closures.
VBCPS Website and Social Media
The Virginia Beach City Public Schools website is a reliable source of information about school closings. The district regularly updates its homepage with announcements about delays or closures. Additionally, the VBCPS social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) provide real-time updates and notifications to followers.
- VBCPS Website: Visit the Virginia Beach City Public Schools website for official announcements.
- Social Media: Follow VBCPS on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on school closings and other important announcements.
SchoolMessenger Alerts
VBCPS uses SchoolMessenger, a communication system that sends alerts directly to parents, staff, and students via text messages, emails, or phone calls. To ensure you receive these notifications, make sure your contact information is up to date in the school’s system.
- How It Works: SchoolMessenger sends automatic alerts when there is a change in the school schedule, such as a closing or delay.
- Sign Up: Parents can sign up for SchoolMessenger notifications through the VBCPS website or by contacting their child’s school.
Local News Stations
Local television and radio stations in the Virginia Beach area provide timely updates on school closings, especially during inclement weather. Tuning in to local news channels during severe weather events will keep you informed of any changes in the school schedule.
- Television: Local news stations such as WAVY-TV 10, WVEC 13News Now, and WTKR News 3 provide updates on school closures.
- Radio: Listen to local radio stations for weather reports and announcements regarding school closures.
School Newsletters and Emails
Many schools send newsletters or email updates to parents regarding upcoming closures, particularly for scheduled holidays and breaks. These communications help families plan ahead for days when school will be closed.
- Check Your Email: Stay on top of emails from your child’s school for announcements about scheduled closures or unexpected delays.
- School Newsletters: Review newsletters for important dates related to the school calendar.
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How to Prepare for School Closings
School closings, especially unexpected ones, can disrupt family routines. Being prepared can help alleviate stress and ensure that your child remains safe and engaged during closures.
Create a Backup Plan for Childcare
If schools close unexpectedly due to inclement weather or emergencies, working parents may need to arrange for alternative childcare. Having a backup plan in place can help you avoid last-minute scrambling.
- Family or Friends: Identify family members or friends who may be available to help with childcare during school closures.
- Childcare Services: Some community organizations or childcare providers offer emergency childcare services for parents during school closures.
Prepare for At-Home Learning Activities
During unexpected closures, students may be asked to continue learning from home. Whether through virtual learning or assigned activities, having a plan for at-home learning can keep your child on track.
- Virtual Learning: Make sure your child has access to a computer or tablet with an internet connection. Many schools provide virtual learning platforms that students can use during closures.
- Homework and Projects: Encourage your child to work on long-term assignments or read independently if no specific tasks are assigned.
Stock Up on Supplies
If school closures are due to severe weather or emergencies, ensure that you have adequate supplies at home. This includes food, water, and other necessities in case of prolonged closures or power outages.
- Non-Perishable Foods: Stock up on non-perishable foods that can be prepared easily if severe weather prevents travel.
- Emergency Kits: Prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as flashlights, batteries, blankets, and first-aid supplies.
Common Reasons for Virginia Beach School Closings
| Reason | Description |
| Inclement Weather | Severe weather such as snow, ice, hurricanes, or flooding may lead to school closings for safety reasons. |
| Emergencies | Emergencies such as power outages, health concerns, or building maintenance issues may result in temporary school closures. |
| Scheduled Holidays and Breaks | Schools close for national holidays (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas) and scheduled breaks (e.g., winter and spring breaks). |
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I be notified of Virginia Beach school closings?
You can receive notifications through the VBCPS website, SchoolMessenger alerts (text, email, or phone), social media, local news stations, and school newsletters.
What should I do if there’s an unexpected school closure?
In the event of an unexpected school closure, have a backup plan for childcare and ensure your child has access to virtual learning platforms or at-home learning materials.
When are schools typically closed for holidays in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach schools are closed for major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day, and for breaks like winter break and spring break.
What happens if schools close due to a hurricane or severe weather?
If schools close due to severe weather, VBCPS will notify families through SchoolMessenger, local news outlets, and social media. You should also follow emergency preparedness guidelines to ensure safety.
Can schools close due to health emergencies?
Yes, schools may close due to health-related concerns such as flu outbreaks or pandemics, as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Staying informed about Virginia Beach school closings is crucial for the safety and well-being of students, parents, and staff. Whether it’s due to inclement weather, emergencies, or scheduled holidays, knowing how to receive timely notifications and being prepared for unexpected closures will help families navigate these changes smoothly. By keeping track of updates through VBCPS communication channels and local news, parents can ensure their children remain safe and supported during school closings.