School Closing and Delay

Due to snow, ice, or conditions such as power outages or city-wide emergencies, school administrators may decide to close school, delay school opening, or send students home early.

You can call 202.337.3554 to hear a recorded message announcing delays and closings. You can also tune into WTOP Radio’s Network at 820 AM or 103.5 FM or go online at WTOPnews.com. The decision to close school or to delay school opening is usually announced by 6:30 AM.

• If the District of Columbia Public Schools are closed, then The River School will also be closed. You will not receive a call.
• If the District of Columbia Public Schools have a 1-hour or 2-hour delay, then The River School will have a 1-hour delay.You will not receive a call.
• You will receive a call from your child's teacher if the District of Columbia Public Schools are open but The River School is closed.
• You will receive a call from The River School if it becomes necessary to close school early due to an emergency situation, such as snow or other serious incident. We will activate the emergency procedure outlined on the Student Emergency Forms in order to reach you. Parents or their designees will be expected to pick up their child as soon as they are able to reach the school.

If there are any changes to your emergency contacts or instructions during the school year, fax an updated  Student Emergency Form to 202-337-3534, attention Tracy Armstrong.