Living in Montana, we know that the weather can change on a dime. All schools in the Helena School District have plans in place for below zero conditions. 

Before school, when the temperature and/or windchill is sitting below zero at a particular school, students are brought inside as soon as buildings open. 

If the temperatures drop below zero while students are in school, indoor recess is held. 

Here are additional guidelines our district follows when temperatures fall below zero:  

• We ask that no students walk to and from school when temperatures are below zero. 

• Students who ride the bus will be kept inside until their bus is in place. Reminder: In harsh weather conditions, we ask that students not be left unattended at bus stops. 

• Students will be supervised for quick pick-ups outside and then brought back inside to await late arrivals. 

 Remember, temperatures can vary dramatically from school-to-school because of our district’s location in a mountain valley that is prone to inversions, with our schools located at varying elevations. 

 A school closer to town may be at 10 degrees above zero with no wind, while another school out in the valley may be at 10 below with windchill. Each school checks the weather station closest to their location throughout the day to determine the safest plan for their students.