A front of winter weather bringing low temperatures and blustery winds to the Rio Grande Valley has some local school districts announcing class delays for Friday while others so far are proceeding as planned.
Temperatures in much of the Rio Grande Valley, especially upper and western Hidalgo County, are forecast to hover around or drop below freezing in the next day or two.
The following information consists of announcements local school districts have made in response to the inclement weather, some detailing class delays and closures, others are changes to district events or operational changes.
McALLEN ISD
Although the McAllen school district has not announced any changes to its operations, officials said via Facebook on Thursday that they’re keeping an eye on the weather.
“As you may know, cold weather is in the forecast for tomorrow, Friday February 4th. We are monitoring the situation closely,” the district said in a statement on social media Thursday. “Classes will begin at the usual time tomorrow. If any changes need to be made to school schedules, we will send a message immediately.”
MISSION CISD
The Mission school district announced Thursday that it is closing all schools and offices Friday.
A release from the district says Friday will count as a work day for employees and that more information will be communicated by supervisors.
Students will not have to make up the missed day since the district has enough instructional minutes built into its calendar to cover it.
“We will continue to monitor forecasts and conditions and make announcements regarding extra-curricular activity cancellations for Friday, should they be needed,” the release read.
On social media, the district also shared information about an emergency winter clothing distribution event in the city of Alton.
That event will be held at the Alton Recreational Center at 349 W. Dawes on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
RIO GRANDE CITY GRULLA CISD
The Rio Grande City Grulla school district is making schedule changes in preparation for more cold weather expected in the Rio Grande Valley on Friday.
The district will have a late start for all students that day, a statement on social media made Thursday morning reads.
For elementary students, buses will run at 7:30 a.m. and classes will start at 8:30 a.m.
Bus service will begin at 8 a.m. for middle schoolers and class will begin at 9 a.m., while buses will run at 8:45 a.m. for high schoolers and classes will start at 8:45 a.m.
Additionally, the post says, students will be permitted to wear warm-ups both Thursday and Friday.
“On behalf of Mr. Adolfo Pena Jr., Superintendent of Schools, and the entire Board of Trustees, we hope everyone can bundle up and stay safe and warm!” the statement read.
EDCOUCH-ELSA ISD
Edcouch-Elsa Early College High School announced its informational parent meeting has been rescheduled to next Thursday.
The meeting is required for students interested in applying for the 2022-23 school year and more information is available on district social media.
VALLEY VIEW ISD
The Valley View school district announced around midday Thursday that it hadn’t so far made plans to alter class schedules.
The district says it is monitoring conditions and will notify the public of any changes.
DONNA ISD
Donna ISD is planning on beginning classes at their regular times Friday.
The district advises students to wear warm clothes and layer-up, and says updates will be available on its social media.
MERCEDES ISD
Mercedes ISD is not expecting any changes or delays related to the weather, but says it’s working with the city’s fire chief to monitor potential hazardous conditions.
Updates will be available via the district’s social media and notification system.
WESLACO ISD
Classes at Weslaco ISD will run as scheduled Friday and changes will be communicated through the district’s normal communication channels.
PSJA ISD
PSJA ISD says it is planning to monitor weather conditions through the night but does not foresee any schedule changes.
“Our school buses will follow our inclement weather protocol and pickup street by street to limit exposure to the cold weather,” a post from the district says.
SHARYLAND ISD
Sharyland ISD is not planning any weather delays, but says it’s monitoring conditions and will communicate any changes promptly.
MONTE ALTO ISD
Monte Alto ISD is not anticipating any delays or cancellations, but says its administrative team is monitoring weather conditions and any changes will be communicated via social media.
LA JOYA ISD
La Joya ISD is delaying classes Friday, although parents can still drop-off students at their regular time and staff is expected to report as normal.
Due to inclement weather conditions, La Joya ISD will have a delayed start Friday. Parents can drop off students at the time they usually do. All staff will report at their regular time.
For elementary students, buses will run at 8 a.m. and classes will start at 9 a.m.
Bus service will begin at 8:45 a.m. for middle schoolers and class will begin at 9:45 a.m., while buses will run at 9:15 a.m. for high schoolers and classes will start at 10 a.m.
Outdoor athletic competitions and practices scheduled for Thursday and Friday have been canceled and are scheduled to resume at noon Saturday.
Indoor athletic events and tutoring will proceed as scheduled.
BROWNSVILLE ISD
The Brownsville school district is not implementing any changes at its campuses or buildings on Friday.
The district announced via social media that there will be no class delays, and added that officials are aware of potential weather conditions and encouraged drivers to travel safely on their way to school.
VANGUARD ACADEMY
All Vanguard Academy schools and offices will be closed due to inclement weather Friday with classes scheduled to resume Monday.
“Please stay tuned to the district’s social media and website as well as local media outlets for the latest information and take appropriate precautions,” the district said on social media.
SOUTH TEXAS ISD
South Texas ISD announced after school activities were expected to continue as scheduled Thursday and that it is planning to stick to its normal bell schedule Friday.
Updates will be made available through social media, the district’s website and local news outlets, the district said.
SANTA ROSA ISD
Santa Rosa ISD announced a delayed start to school Friday.
Bus pickup time will be at 8:45 a.m., employee start time will be at 9:30 a.m. and classes will start at 10 a.m.
Breakfast service will be suspended Friday and updates will be available through the district’s regular communication channels.
This story will be updated as more schools announce delays or cancellations.
