Dallas, Fort Worth & other North Texas school districts announce winter storm closures
DALLAS - Nearly all North Texas school districts, including Dallas and Fort Worth ISD, announced they will be closed on Thursday because of another icy winter storm.
Now, parents and students will be waiting to hear whether schools will be closed on Friday, too.
Allen, Carrollton-Farmers Branch, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Frisco, Garland, Grand Prairie, Irving, Little Elm, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Prosper, Rockwall, Weatherford and Wylie ISDs were also among the larger districts in the area who will be closed on Thursday.
FULL LIST: North Texas School Closings & Early Dismissals
Like most districts, Dallas ISD says a decision about Friday hasn’t been made yet.
"I would imagine mid-day again we’re going to do our best to make sure that we can share out to families what that plan looks like going into Friday," said Dallas ISD spokesperson Robyn Harris. "And if we’ve got to look at another school closure, we’ll make sure that we’re prepared."
Several smaller school districts shut down on Wednesday ahead of the storm. Others closed early for the day, but most opted to hold classes and close schools for Thursday.
Parents who dropped off their kids at Jack Lowe Sr. Elementary School in Dallas approved of Dallas ISD's decision.
"That's a good idea because it's dangerous. You know, they said it might rain and it might get freeze," said Lorenza Aviles, the mother of a fourth grader. "That way my kids can be warm at home and we can stay safer."
"I'm happy because there's not gonna be school and I have good grades," said Yaritzel Aviles.
RELATED: Winter Storm Warning issued for Dallas-Fort Worth as forecast shows more icy weather
As Dallas ISD parents make alternate plans, they’re grateful they won’t have to brave dangerous road conditions.
"We have a long drive, we don’t live around here, so it’s - for me, it’s better to be safe than sorry. The roads can get pretty bad," Zuleika Arzata said.
"I was a little relieved because I’m going to have to make a long commute back to Lancaster, it’s already gonna be pretty epic getting back home," said Chastidy Russell.
Parents at Carr Elementary in West Dallas picked up their kids early to try and get a head start home.
"I really feel like they shouldn’t have let them come today because they informed us the weather’s supposed to get bad today, they should have let them out way before," said Latoyna Hill.
In its closure announcement, Dallas ISD did offer parents the opportunity to pick up children early. Some said the road conditions were already deteriorating Wednesday afternoon.
"Lot of wrecks on the way, I saw over ten wrecks. I always drive with caution as it is. Drive slow, take it slow," said Quentin Moore.
Dallas, Fort Worth and other major districts canceled all after-school activities, including sports for Wednesday afternoon.
Fort Worth ISD sent a note to parents letting them know they could pick up their children early on Wednesday if they wish.
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