Cold Weather & Snow Policy

Updated September 2025

Importance of the Policy

Excessive exposure to cold weather can lead to illness and create dangerous conditions when walking to and from school.
 To ensure the health and safety of our students and staff, Zoe International School follows the procedures below.

Reference Websites

  1. Temperature (RealFeel) – Accuweather Naka-ku Forecast

  2. Snow Forecast – Accuweather Naka-ku Winter Forecast

  3. Emergency Forecast – Yokohama City Disaster Prevention Info

Warning Levels & Actions

1. Temperature Below 7°C

  • Check RealFeel temperature.

  • Lunch: Indoors.

  • Recess & PE: As usual (outdoors allowed).

2. Temperature Below 0°C or Snow

  • Check RealFeel and snow forecast.

  • Lunch: Indoors.

  • Recess & PE: Indoors.

  • Travel to PE facilities: Allowed.

3. Heavy Snow “Advisory”

  • Check snow forecast and Emergency Forecast.

  • School: Open.

  • Outdoor lunch/PE: Cancelled (no travel to PE facilities).

  • Students: Recommended to stay home if possible.

  • Teachers/Staff: Work as usual, but use caution and check local conditions.

  • Absences: Excused.

4. Heavy Snow “Warning”

  • Check snow forecast and Emergency Forecast.

  • School: Closed.

  • Students: Stay home.

  • Teachers/Staff: Work from home unless essential duties require presence on campus.

  • Absences: Excused.

Responsible People

  • Safety Officer monitors weather conditions and communicates updates.

  • If unavailable, the Principal assumes responsibility.

Communication Steps

Day Before Snowstorm (5:00 PM)

  • Send update to parents/staff via Class Dojo and Slack.

Morning of Snowstorm

  • 6:00 AM – Check forecast warning level for 6 AM–4 PM (school) and 3 PM–8 PM (afterschool).

  • 6:30 AM – Send message to all parents/staff with expected maximum level and actions according to policy.

Day of Snowstorm

  • Each hour – Monitor forecast for school and afterschool timeframes.

  • If students are sent home: notify parents via Class Dojo and by phone if necessary.

  • If staff are dismissed early: notify via Slack.

Absence Policy

  • Cold weather alone: Not an excused absence.

  • Snow-related transportation delays: Absences will be marked as excused.

School Office Contact

For questions regarding attendance or cold weather procedures:

  • Reception: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

  • Phone: 090-9546-1074

  • Email: hello@zoeinternationalschool.com

  • Class Dojo: Zoe International School