HELENA — Helena Public Schools is implementing an early release and enacting emergency protocols for all schools on Wednesday due to a wind storm that is ripping through Montana.
In a message to parents, the school district stated that it is implementing the early release out of an abundance of caution due to current wind conditions.
Middle schools are being released at 12:30 p.m., and elementary and high schools will be released at 1:00 p.m.
On Wednesday, MTN received multiple reports of downed power lines and trees.
To ensure every student gets home safely under these conditions, Helena Schools are implementing the following emergency protocols today for:
- Students who normally walk home will not be permitted to leave on foot. A parent, guardian, or designated emergency contact must pick them up at the school.
- Bus drivers will not release a student at their stop unless a parent, guardian, or designated individual is present to meet them. Students will be brought back to their school for pick up if there is not an adult present to meet them at their stop.
Officials say school staff will remain on-site until every student has been safely picked up or met at their bus stop.
All after-school practices, clubs, and extracurricular activities are canceled for today.
East Helena Schools will continue to have regular school on Wednesday and regular bus routes after school.
Below are the updates East Helena Schools parents should know.
- All schools will run their regular schedule,
- K-5 Students are having Indoor Recesses today,
- Buses will run their regularly scheduled routes…parents are asked to meet their child at the bus stop so drivers know that each child made it home safely,
- K-5 students should not walk home alone. If your child usually walks home from school, please make an alternate plan for pick up etc and notify the school,
- Parents of K-8 students are welcome to pick their child up from school at any time today to take them home prior to our scheduled dismissal times. Please do not call to excuse and have the student walk home.
- Parents can excuse high school students who drive themselves if they choose to.
- The TIGER after school program will operate as scheduled
- Middle School and high school activities (practices) will operate as scheduled however parents can excuse their child if they have concerns about travel etc. Please contact your child's coach to excuse.
