Students attending Rocky View Schools (RVS) in Crossfield and Beiseker/Kathyrn will be spending Jan. 14 at home after RVS announced the severe weather had forced the division to close the schools.
Not all students are exempt from school today as those writing diploma exams will still need to make their way to the facilities. However, according to the RVS website, buses in the effected areas will not be running today.
All other RVS schools will remain open and buses to them are running.
With an extreme cold warning in effect, a forecast high of just -28 C, according to Environment Canada, and a wind chill of -45 C this morning and -33 C this afternoon, frostbite can occur in minutes.
RVS is reminding parents and students of safety practices for extreme cold.
"All younger students should be well prepared for winter weather conditions and should not be left unattended at bus stops," the closure announcement states. "Parents should form an emergency plan with their children so they have clear instructions about what to do if the bus does not arrive."
Children should be dressed appropriately for the winter weather, keeping in mind the longer transit times and unexpected mechanical problems that could cause buses to cool off quickly may occur more frequently at this time of year.
"Heavy snowfall can result in bus schedules being unavoidably delayed," the announcement stated. "Buses will run as close to schedule as possible. Transit delays do occur and should be expected."
Real-time information on bus routes is available on the RVS Bus Status app, available at rockyview.ab.ca
