To determine school delays or school closures due to inclement weather, including snow, freezing rain, and/or dangerously cold temperatures. Our priority is always the safety of our students and staff.

To make informed decisions, we consider several factors:

• Weather Monitoring: We closely monitor multiple weather services and analyze their forecasts to determine the most likely weather scenario for our area.

• Road Conditions: We prioritize checking critical roadways and collaborate with local municipalities and surrounding school districts to assess current conditions.

• District-Specific Factors: We consider the unique context of the Nazareth Area School District, including:

  • The district’s large geographic area (48 square miles) and the potential for varied weather conditions within it.

  • Our extensive bus network, which includes over 500 stops and daily routes exceeding 3,500 miles.

  • The 650+ students who walk to school.

  • The potential for students to experience long waits at bus stops in extreme cold.

  • Timing of the storm - the potential impact on transportation and the school day is considered.

  • Amount of snow forecasted - If there is a "plowable" (6 or more inches) snowfall, NASD needs approximately 4.5 hours to clear all 7 district buildings/facilities, sidewalks, and parking lots.

  • Type of snow forecasted - light snow, wet snow, freezing rain, etc. create different types of challenges in clearing parking lots and sidewalks.

  • Potential delays in snow removal at bus stops and school facilities.

  • The impact of traffic flow on bus schedules.

  • Conditions after the storm - temperatures and wind chills after the storm impact the speed of clean up operations, effectiveness of de-icing/salting and the condition of the roads.

Based on an assessment of the above factors, a decision to delay school opening, or close schools is made by approximately 5:30 AM allowing adequate time to notify the NASD families.

A decision regarding in-person is made by approximately 5:30 AM at the latest. We strive for a single, early morning notification to minimize disruption for families. This notification will be communicated through:

• School Messenger phone calls, emails, and text messages (ensure your contact information is updated with your child's school) 

• Schoology Notifications

• Nazareth Area School District website: https://www.nazarethasd.k12.pa.us/

• WFMZ TV Notification/Update

• NASD Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, X)

In rare cases, when additional time might allow for safe school operations, a delayed opening with a follow-up update will be communicated through the same channels. 

Please note that decisions about after-school activities and athletics may be made later in the day based on changing weather conditions and will be communicated by the Athletic Department and/or building principals.

• If Nazareth Area School District buildings are closed – No transportation will be provided to any school, public, private or parochial.

• If Nazareth Area School District opens 2 hours late – All bus transportation will be 2 hours late even if your school (public, private, or parochial) is running on a normal time schedule. If your student needs to be at school at the regular time, you need to provide your own transportation.

• Afternoon transportation will be normal on days that Nazareth Area School District Schools open late.

• In the event that the Nazareth Area School District decides to close buildings early because of deteriorating weather conditions, public school parents will be notified. If you are a private or parochial parent, your school will be notified and they in turn will notify you.

• Keep your contact information up to date with your school building's main office. 

• Families are responsible for arranging childcare during school closures or delays due to weather or other emergencies.