Preparing for Cold Weather: School Delays and Warming Shelters in the Rio Grande Valley
With temperatures plummeting to near freezing this week, residents of the Rio Grande Valley are bracing for an intense cold snap. The National Weather Service has issued warnings, prompting various school districts and local authorities to implement measures to ensure safety and comfort for the community.
School Delays Across the Valley
Many local school districts have announced delayed starts for classes to accommodate the frigid temperatures. Here’s a breakdown of the significant updates:
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD
Classes will begin two hours later than usual on Tuesday. Elementary schools will start at 9:00 a.m., middle schools at 10:00 a.m., and high schools at 10:30 a.m. Bus services will also operate on this delayed schedule.
Roma ISD
Like Rio Grande City, Roma ISD is enacting a two-hour delay. Morning bus pickups will be adjusted accordingly, meaning students picked up at 6:45 a.m. will now be collected at 8:45 a.m. Classes will commence at 9:30 a.m. for elementary schools and 10:30 a.m. for high schools.
La Joya ISD
This district will have a one-hour delay on Tuesday. Elementary schools will start at 8:35 a.m., while high schools and middle schools will start at 9:35 a.m. Students are encouraged to dress warmly, and hot chocolate will be provided in the cafeterias.
Mission CISD
Mission CISD has followed suit with a two-hour delay. Elementary classes will begin at 9:30 a.m., and high school classes at 10:30 a.m. Staff will report at their usual time, and students are reminded to wear comfortable, warm attire.
Hidalgo ISD
Breakfast will be provided for all students as Hidalgo ISD begins classes at 9:00 a.m. for elementary schools and 9:45 a.m. for middle schools. The regular schedule for extracurricular activities will continue unless communicated otherwise.
Sharyland ISD and Edinburg CISD
Both districts will experience a two-hour delay as well, with regional variations in starting times for levels of education.
Mercedes ISD, Donna ISD, and Others
Mercedes ISD will revert to a regular schedule, while Donna ISD encourages students to dress warmly. Several other districts like Weslaco ISD and Point Isabel ISD are maintaining regular schedules but allowing comfort attire to accommodate the cold temperatures.
Warming Shelters Available
Alongside school modifications, various warming shelters are available throughout Hidalgo County to offer refuge from the freezing conditions. Here’s where to find these centers:
McAllen
- McAllen Public Library: Open Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Lark Community Center: Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the weekdays.
- Palm View Community Center: Open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Weslaco
- First Baptist Church Weslaco: Intake from 6-10 p.m., shelter hours from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Mercedes
- Mercedes Safe Dome: Open Sunday night and will remain operational if shelter is needed.
Edinburg
- Sekula Memorial Library: Available Sunday-Monday from 5 p.m. to 9 a.m.
Donna
- Parks and Recreation Building: Open Sunday-Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Edcouch-Elsa
- Edcouch-Elsa ISD Wrestling Room: Open Saturday-Monday night.
Sullivan City
- Sullivan City Fire Department: Operational for community emergencies.
Precautionary measures are crucial during this cold front. Residents are advised to utilize these community resources for warmth and safety.
Conclusion
As the Rio Grande Valley braces for freezing temperatures, school districts are taking proactive steps to ensure student safety through delayed starts, while local authorities are providing essential warming shelters. Staying informed and taking appropriate measures in these frigid conditions can significantly impact community health and safety. Remember to dress warmly and utilize the available shelters when necessary. For real-time updates, check individual school district websites and local news sources.
