In case of inclement weather, PDS may close or start late. We will make an announcement on our website, via email, social media, and send a text message/push notification via Remind.

Unlike some of our fellow independent schools, PDS does not automatically follow the same decision that the local school systems make. Once school is in session, PDS will post a notice on its website, send an email, and post a Remind notification if it decides to close during the school day.

It is very unlikely that PDS will close due to the possibility of severe thunderstorms and wind. PDS has a large basement that is one of the safest spaces in the region.

In icy conditions or periods of hazardous driving when school is open, students arriving late will not be counted tardy. We urge parents to be punctual but not at the cost of safety.

PDS Emergency Notifications via Email and Remind

At the beginning of each school year, every cellphone number and parent email in our database is added to emergency mailing lists that are used to send out emergency communication emails. Additionally, you should have also received a notification from the Remind service inviting you to sign-up for push notifications. If you have not signed up for the push notifications, you will instead receive a text message unless we did not have your cellphone number. In the event that we did not have your cellphone number, the messages from Remind will be delivered through email. Please notify This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are not receiving Remind messages.

You can check your newsletter subscriptions by visiting the "Manage Newsletter Subscriptions" page under the News menu. Note that you will need to be logged into the site to see the Updates and Emergencies lists.

You can also quickly get to your newsletter settings without having to login by scrolling to the bottom of any of our email newsletters and looking for the Manage Your Subscription link.