Update: Decision on schools and busing made amid -57 degree windchills

On early Friday morning, Rocky View Schools announced that schools were cancelled for today.

"Bus service is also cancelled. Online schools (Discovery Trails and Summit Trails) will continue classes as normal. RVS high schools designated as Diploma exam writing locations today will be open to all students writing Diploma exams. There is no bus service to the schools."

RVS high schools designated as Diploma exam writing locations today will be open to all students writing Diploma exams. There is no bus service to the schools.

According to RVS, there are a variety of factors that are considered before schools are closed.

"[Factors] include current and forecasted temperature and wind chill, road conditions, the amount of snow and ice, school building constructions and school location. This decision is made early in the morning before school starts or buses are running. Ultimately, the final decision to send a child to the bus stop or school rests with parents," RVS said on its website.

Wind chills are reaching upwards of -57 degrees Celsius this morning. Afternoon windchills are forecast to be -41 with a temperature of -33. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) these types of windchill mean hazardous frostbite conditions. 

Other school districts

According to Chinook Edge's School Division schools are also cancelled within that division.

"Today is an inclement weather Red Day. All Chinook’s Edge schools and offices are closed today," the district's website stated.

Also early on Friday morning, The Calgary Catholic School District (CSSD) stated in an email that CSSD schools located in Calgary remain open. However, schools in Airdrie, Chestermere and Cochrane will be closed today as bus service has been cancelled.

"Routes within Calgary, including yellow school bus service and specialized diverse learner transportation, are running but may experience delays. Parents and guardians are asked to not leave children unattended at bus stops. Please dress warmly, stay safe and make alternate transportation arrangements."

CSSD also said that as per protocol, when conditions reach -20 degrees Celsius or colder, including the wind-chill factor, it is recommended that students be kept inside for recess or lunch breaks.

Airdrie and much of Alberta remain under an extreme cold warning. 

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