LIST: Valley schools adjust schedules due to arctic blast

Editor’s note: Email news@themonitor.com to report any school closure updates.

Cold temperatures will impact the Rio Grande Valley this upcoming week as an arctic air mass will result in below-normal temperatures.

As a result, school districts across the region have made adjustments to their schedules and will continue to monitor the weather to further make any changes. 

The following information consists of announcements school districts have made in response to the inclement weather, some detailing class delays and closures, others are changes to extracurricular or the opening of warming shelters.

MISSION CISD

Mission CISD said the district will be closed for all students and staff on Tuesday, while Wednesday will operate on a two-hour delay with the following start times:

>> 9 a.m. for elementary schools;

>> 10 a.m. for junior high schools;

>>10:15 a.m. for high schools;

>> 9 a.m. for staff; and 

>> Regular start time for campus administration. 

Buses will also operate on a two-hour delay, in addition to no uniforms being required this week. 

Wednesday’s board meeting will proceed as planned, and the district urges parents to contact their child’s coaches for specific information regarding extracurricular activities. 

McALLEN ISD

McAllen ISD will have a delayed start for Tuesday classes, while Monday classes and buses will remain on regular schedule. 

The delayed times for Tuesday classes is as follows:

>> 8:50 a.m. for elementary schools;

>> 9 a.m. for middle schools; and

>> 9:15 a.m. for high schools. 

Buses will pick up students one hour later than normal, though the school will be open at regular times in case parents wish to drop off their students earlier. Staff will report at its regular time. 

Schools will provide a warm environment as well as nutritious breakfast and lunch for all students. 

Wednesday classes will continue as normal, though the district said they will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates if classes will be delayed. 

BROWNSVILLE ISD

The Brownsville school district said all schools will be operating on regular schedules from Monday to Friday, though they are actively monitoring the weather conditions. 

BISD did make changes to after-school activities such as canceling all Extended Day programs on Tuesday and Wednesday. This includes tutorials and ACE After School Program, Enrichment and Academies. 

The other change affects all varsity athletic events scheduled for Tuesday, which will now be moved to Monday. As a result, all sub-varsity events for Monday are canceled. 

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority, and our schools are fully prepared to provide warm, safe environments for all students and staff,” the district said in its weather update. “Our maintenance and transportation departments are also taking precautionary measures to ensure our buildings and buses are ready for any inclement weather.”

LA JOYA ISD

As the district continues to monitor the weather, officials said the only adjustment at the moment is not requiring uniforms from Monday through Friday. 

“We encourage all students and staff to dress warmly and comfortably throughout the week,” the district said in a news release. “Layered clothing, jackets, and other weather-appropriate attire are highly recommended to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable during this time.” 

The district urges families to check LJISD’s communication channels for real-time updates and important announcements. 

SAN BENITO CISD

Students will not have classes on Monday since it is designated as a professional development day for all district staff. 

San Benito CISD officials said the administration is working with the Cameron County Emergency Management Department and the National Weather Service to formulate a safety plan for all students and staff. 

The district will provide updates as they continue to monitor the weather for Tuesday and Wednesday.

SHARYLAND ISD

As of 4 p.m. Sunday, Sharyland ISD said classes on Monday will continue as a regular school day and urge parents to send their children with a jacket and/or extra layers since temperatures may be cooler at dismissal. 

While most extracurricular activities scheduled on Monday have been canceled, the district says parents should check with their child’s coach regarding any high school events. 

Tuesday will be the only day Sharyland ISD will cancel all school and district activities, including after school care and the scheduled board meeting.

Wednesday will see a two-hour delay with classes scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Bus routes will also run on a two-hour delay.

Cafeterias will open at 9 a.m. and breakfast will be served until 9:45 a.m. 

Elementary after school care will remain open with standard hours. The district said parents should check with their child’s coach or sponsor for details regarding extracurricular and athletic activities.

LYFORD CISD

The Lyford school district will not be holding classes on Thursday and Friday, adding that classes and bus routes will resume the regular schedule on Monday, Jan. 27. 

PSJA ISD

The Pharr-San-Juan-Alamo school district will cancel classes on Tuesday, and implement a delayed start on Wednesday. 

The district said Grab & Go meals will be available for students and families at all middle school campuses on Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. 

Additionally, in partnership with the American Red Cross and the cities of Pharr, San Juan and Alamo, the district will open warming shelters from Monday through Wednesday at the following facilities: 

>> Alamo: Jesus “Jesse” Vela Jr. Middle School’s Gym B, located at 1819 US-83 BUS;

>> Pharr: Jaime Escalante Middle School’s Gym A, located at 6123 S. Cage Blvd; and 

>> San Juan: Dr. Daniel P. King PSJA College & University Center, located at 703 E. Sam Houston Blvd.

“We are deeply committed to the well-being of our PSJA family and the entire community,” Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias said in the release. “Opening our doors to provide a warm, safe place during this severe weather is just one of the ways we’re here to support each other.”

The shelters will open at 5 p.m. Monday.

The district said students, parents, staff and community members are welcomed as well as pets. While meals will be provided at the shelters, the district encourages those seeking shelter to bring the following: 

>> Blankets and pillows;

>> Medications;

>> Personal toiletries; and

>> Pet supplies (including leashes). 

“If you or your loved ones need assistance, please don’t hesitate to visit the shelter or access our additional resources,” Elias said. “I also want to thank our School Board of Trustees for their support and leadership in making it possible to serve our community.” 

RAYMONDVILLE ISD

The Raymondville school district said students are allowed to wear warm clothes throughout the week of Jan. 20-23. They suggest wearing warm-ups, hoodies, scarves, beanies and mittens.

“We encourage everyone to dress appropriately to keep warm and make their school experience as comfortable as possible during the expected cold temperatures,” RISD said on Facebook.

MERCEDES ISD

Mercedes ISD’s schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, with officials adding that a delayed start is scheduled for Wednesday.

The delayed times for Wednesday classes is as follows:

>> 9:30 a.m. for elementary schools;

>> 9:45 a.m. for middle schools; and 

>> 10 a.m. for high schools. 

The district said Wednesday’s morning bus route pick-up will begin at 8 a.m. while school drop-off will begin at 9 a.m. 

Dismissal times remain normal. 

All after-school ACE programs, activities and practices are canceled from Monday to Wednesday. The district said athletic coaches will notify families about game schedule changes or cancellations. 

WESLACO ISD

As of Sunday, the Weslaco school district is planning a delayed start for students on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

The district said in a news release that it’ll make the necessary adjustments as they continue to track the weather.

VANGUARD ACADEMY

Vanguard Academy Schools will be closed on Tuesday.

Officials said a delayed start is scheduled for Wednesday, which will begin a 9:30 a.m. 

Vanguard Academy is celebrating the Great Kindness Challenge a week early, therefore lifting the uniform policy for this week. 

“This cold weather is a great opportunity to show kindness within our school community, so if students have an extra pair of gloves, scarfs, or a coat to spare, please bring to the campus school,” officials said in a news release. “Social workers and counselors will gather those items and put into the right hands.”

Officials said those who need a donation, or have a donation, to reach out to their school counselor or social worker.

This story will be updated as more schools announce delays or cancellations.

The post LIST: Valley schools adjust schedules due to arctic blast appeared first on MyRGV.com.