A major winter storm sweeping across Southern Ontario has prompted widespread school closures, affecting thousands of students and families. The storm, expected to deliver significant snowfall, has led both the Waterloo Region District School Board and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board to announce school closures for Thursday, February 13, 2025. The decision was made with the safety of students and staff as the priority, as the storm is predicted to bring up to 25 centimeters of snow.
According to reports, the school boards collaborated with Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region to cancel all student transportation, impacting not just primary and secondary schools but also adult learning and educational services. An official statement confirmed, "With the safety of students, staff, and families as our top priority, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), along with the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), has made the proactive decision to cancel all student transportation and close all schools on Thursday, February 13, 2025." This proactive approach means all school buses, taxis, and special education routes will not operate.
The ripple effects of the storm's arrival have been felt elsewhere. The Toronto Catholic District School Board is closely monitoring the weather situation, with Environment Canada issuing snowfall warnings for the city. Although the TCDSB initially planned for regular school operations, they noted potential impacts on transportation and school opening times before making any definitive decisions.
Meanwhile, Hamilton, which is currently under severe weather warnings, anticipates local snowfall amounts nearing 15 centimeters overnight. Predictions also include periods of heavy snow, with the city declaring this winter storm as significant, activating snow clearing operations. Schools across Hamilton are responding to this call with closures, including all buildings under the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. All non-essential city services will cease, starting from the evening before the storm.
The situation is also dire for students at McMaster University and Mohawk College, with both institutions opting to close campuses early, announcing cancellation of all evening classes and activities. It’s clear from the response of these educational institutions recognize the potential hazards posed by the storm.
Families are now weighing their options. One concerned parent, Mary Jane Collins, expressed, "With multiple closures and limited information, it’s challenging to keep the kids occupied and safe at home. This weather throws our routines completely off track!" Many parents are, like Collins, adapting their schedules to manage unexpected snow days and school closures.
Looking toward Windsor and other areas of southern Ontario, officials are poised for similar responses. Local districts are urging parents to remain attentive as districts collaborate on weather strategies, sharing updates to keep families informed about school operations. After its roundtable discussions early on February 13, the Oakville School District assured parents they would act swiftly, implementing any necessary changes as the storm unfolded.
The winter storm isn’t limited to Northern provinces; several districts across the United States were also bracing for harsh weather conditions. Richmond Public Schools were forced to shift to virtual learning because weather-related power issues made physical classrooms unsafe. More traditional schools had begun analyzing their weather protocols, aiming for safety first.
Farmington, Michigan, raised similar concerns about inclement weather, as districts across the metro Detroit area began implementing plans to respond to the winter storm. Dr. Kelly Coffin, Farmington Schools Superintendent, conveyed their intent to prioritize student safety: "The snow isn’t expected until the afternoon, which complicates transportation for families already worried about picking up their kids from school." She confirmed plans to communicate swiftly with families should the storm’s timeline shift.
With temperatures dropping and inclement weather forecasted to impact much of the region, school leaders hope to provide timely updates on school openings and closures to help families make informed decisions. The situation remains fluid, and with the possibility of prolonged impacts from this winter storm, communities across southern Ontario and beyond are adapting as best as they can.
School officials urge everyone to stay tuned to local news and school communications for real-time updates about closures and weather impacts. Safety is the top priority, and continued vigilance will be necessary as winter extends its icy grip across the region.