North Texas school districts are facing difficult decisions as extreme cold weather grips the region, but most have opted to keep classes running as scheduled on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. An Arctic blast sweeping through Dallas-Fort Worth is expected to bring the coldest air of the season, with forecast temperatures dropping below freezing.
The National Weather Service issued both an Extreme Cold Warning and Winter Weather Advisory for much of North Texas, alerting residents to prepare for lows plummeting to the teens, with wind chills dipping to zero or even below during the morning hours.
Despite the chill, large districts such as Dallas ISD and Fort Worth ISD announced Tuesday evening they would operate on normal schedules. Dallas ISD confirmed late Tuesday night, "All Dallas ISD schools will be open Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. Buses will run on their normal schedules, and students and team members should arrive at their usual time." Meanwhile, Fort Worth ISD stated, "After consulting with the National Weather Service and monitoring precipitation, we are proceeding with regular hours for both schools and offices tomorrow." Both districts urged families to dress their children warmly.
Many schools are also taking precautions to protect students from the frigid conditions. The Fort Worth ISD encouraged parents and guardians to have their children wear layers, advising, "To help students remain comfortable throughout the day, we encourage families to dress students accordingly." Other districts echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing safety during the challenging weather.
While classes remain open, the extreme weather has led to cancellations of all outdoor athletic activities by both Dallas ISD and Richardson ISD through Thursday. Some Northern districts like Prosper ISD have closed their campuses altogether due to hazardous conditions.
Schools like Arlington ISD, Carroll ISD, and Frisco ISD are also continuing their regular schedules, with many closely monitoring the weather and preparing for potential adjustments. Carroll ISD warned families to expect some delays as they prioritize safety on icy roads.
Across the region, some parents are choosing to drive their children to school instead of allowing them to walk or bike, taking safety precautions seriously as temperatures hover at or near freezing.
Given the icy forecast, many parents are undoubtedly wondering how best to prepare. The National Weather Service warns of possible slick spots on bridges and overpasses, prompting school districts to keep parents informed and prepared for travel challenges.
Schools throughout North Texas are taking steps to avoid unplanned disruptions. For example, Fort Worth ISD officials assured families, "We will continue to monitor conditions throughout the day and night, ensuring staff arrive early to heat buildings before children can enter safely." The thorough planning aims to cushion against the icy temperatures likely to persist through Thursday.
Importantly, many school officials are committed to ensuring students are safe during this cold spell. Dallas ISD remarked, "To remain safe, we encourage all students to bundle up with lots of layers." Parents have repeatedly been reminded to assess their children’s readiness for the harsh weather before leaving home.
For those districts opting to drop outdoor athletics or other activities, the decision stems from both safety concerns and the stark reality of the Arctic front gripping the area. Many are opting out of outdoor events through the end of the week, providing students and families time to adjust to the sudden shift to extreme cold.
Schools are not just keeping businesses as usual, though. Detailed recommendations are being circulated about keeping warm at school, such as wearing insulated shoes and hats to brace against the wind as kids make their way to classes.
Overall, the majority of North Texas schools are poised to welcome students the following day, following thorough consultations with weather services. Officials are conscious of the unpredictable nature of winter weather—the hope is for students to arrive safely and to return to warm classrooms.
While the weather is expected to improve by the weekend, with milder temperatures returning, for now, schools are tackling the Arctic conditions head-on. They encourage parents to remain vigilant and proactive as temperatures create unusual challenges for many families.
Districts have pledged to keep families informed about weather developments and potential school delays or closures throughout the week. The focus remains on ensuring students stay safe during this frigid spell and droplets of winter.