Los Alamos Schools Delay Start, Buses Run Two Hours Later
Los Alamos Public Schools announced on December 3 that classes on Thursday December 4 would begin two hours late because of winter weather and ice on walkways and parking lots. The delay altered bus schedules, canceled morning three year preschool, and created disruptions for families and workers across the county.
Los Alamos Public Schools announced on December 3 that schools would open two hours late on Thursday December 4 after winter weather left walkways and parking lots icy. Buses ran two hours later than normal, and the district posted adjusted start times for students. Elementary schools began at 10:10 a.m., middle schools began at 10:40 a.m., and the high school began at 10:30 a.m.
The notice also said morning three year preschool classes were canceled, while afternoon three year preschool remained on its regular schedule. District officials urged caution for travel as staff and families navigated slippery conditions the morning of December 4. The decision followed standard safety protocols that prioritize safe walking routes and bus operations when surfaces are hazardous.
For families the shift meant altered morning routines and childcare challenges. Parents who work standard daytime schedules faced compressed windows for commuting or arranging supervision, and staff across schools and associated services adjusted shift times to match the delayed start. Transit logistics required drivers to run routes later, which in turn affected arrival and pickup times for students with before and after school needs.
The delay underscores how even a single winter weather event can ripple through a local economy and daily life in a small county. School schedule changes reduce morning traffic in some neighborhoods, while creating concentrated demand for midday drop offs and pickups. For businesses that serve families in town, such as childcare providers and cafes, unpredictable start times can raise short term staffing and service planning issues.
Parents and guardians are advised to verify bus times and any further schedule notices through district communications channels. While the December 4 delay has passed, the episode illustrates the recurring need for contingency planning as winter conditions arrive. Local officials and households benefit from early alerts and clear schedules to reduce safety risks and minimize disruption to work and schooling across Los Alamos County.
