For information about Bus Notifications and Updates, please see WillistonSchools.org/stopfinder.

Our Approach This Winter
This year, delayed starts, early dismissals, and virtual learning days due to snow will be used only as a last resort. The district will prioritize keeping students in school safely and maintaining regular schedules whenever conditions allow.

Family Discretion
Families are always encouraged to use their own judgment when deciding whether travel is safe in inclement weather. If weather conditions prevent your student from attending on time or at all, please notify your school so the absence or late arrival can be documented accordingly.

Below, you can find more details about a notification you may receive, some Frequently Asked Questions, and more weather-related information.

Notifications will be sent out as soon as the decision is made by 6:00 AM that day. When our district implements a delayed opening time, the schedule for buses, student drop-off, and staff arrival will all align with the delayed start time.

For example, if school starts 2 hours late:

• Buses will run 2 hours later than usual.

• The earliest time students can be dropped off at schools is 2 hours later than the usual time.

• No breakfast will be served.

• Staff will report to work 2 hours later than their usual arrival time.

• All morning activities are cancelled.

• With a two-hour delay, classes are not shortened or adjusted.

It is advisable to remain attentive to district messaging, in case there is a need to transition to Virtual Learning if weather/road conditions do not improve.

Note: There may be instances in which school starts on time, but buses run 1 or 2 hours late due to rural road conditions.

🚌 Families will check the 🛑 StopFinder app for route-specific school bus information and updates. For more information, see WillistonSchools.org/stopfinder 

⭐NEW in 2025-2026 School Year:
Rural School Two-Hour Delay Option
Historically, weather decisions were made districtwide. However, road and travel conditions can vary significantly between in-town routes and rural areas. To better respond to those differences, WBSD7 has added a rural-only delay option this winter.

How will this work?
2-hour delayed start for ONLY Missouri Ridge and Garden Valley, while in-town schools remain on a normal schedule.

This option allows the district to respond to localized rural travel conditions while keeping students safe and minimizing districtwide disruption whenever possible.

Families at Missouri Ridge and Garden Valley will be notified through the district’s usual communication channels if a rural-only delay is implemented.

• After school activities are canceled. School buildings are not available for after-school activities by other private or public organizations.

• After school childcare is not available.

• The district will make every effort to provide as much notice as possible and collaborate with parents to ensure students receive necessary care in the event that a parent/guardian cannot pick up a student at the early dismissal time. Visit our About Us page to find information on how to contact your school.

• There will be no in-person school for students and staff at any school in our district.

• All practices, games, and other school related activities are canceled.

• Teachers will utilize either ParentSquare or Google Classroom to communicate student assignments and expectations.

• Administrators will be in contact with staff to communicate expectations.

Google Classroom Links:
Browser Sign-In | Google Play Download | Apple App Store Download
*Students will Sign in with their full WillistonSchools.org email address.

WBSD7 Administrative Policy ABAC: Virtual Learning Because of Weather or Other Conditions

See more about our weather station on our WBSD7 Weather Now page, including instructions to access this widget with an app-like experience.

National Weather Service

ND DOT Travel Map

There may be occasions where an individual school or multiple schools need to dismiss early, have a delayed start, or transition to virtual learning due to various reasons such as heating system problems, water line issues, etc.

The district will utilize the same emergency notification system mentioned above, including ParentSquare text/call/email, the district website, social medial platforms, and local news stations.

We will make every effort to provide as much notice as possible and collaborate with parents to ensure students receive necessary care in the event that a parent/guardian cannot pick up a student at the early dismissal time.

View our School Safety webpage for more information on Student Pick-Up and the Standard Response Protocol (SRP).

Thank you for your understanding and support during weather-related events that may require delayed starts, early dismissals, or transitions to virtual learning. We truly appreciate your flexibility and partnership in keeping our students and staff safe.