TOPEKA (KSNT) – Some northeast Kansas school districts are canceling after-school activities and letting students out early Friday as the risk for severe weather increases.
School officials in some Kansas districts plan to dismiss students early on April 17 as a line of thunderstorms takes shape. However, other schools are continuing on schedule Friday, but canceling after-school activities.
KSNT 27 News Stormtrack Meteorologist Ely Millard reported that people can expect to get some rain this afternoon. He forecasted a round of strong to severe storms that may also come with large hail and possible tornadoes.
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Topeka Public Schools USD 501 spokesman Aarion Gray shared a message with 27 News that the district distributed to its families on April 17. The district announced that all after-school programs, along with other athletic and extracurricular activities, are canceled.
“Dear TPS Staff & Families:
Due to severe thunderstorms expected to begin later today, we encourage elementary families with children in after-school programs to pick their children up at dismissal. All after-school programs and secondary athletic and extracurricular activities are canceled for today, April 17, 2026. Once all students have safely departed and buses have cleared, school staff will be departing immediately after school today.
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school directly.”
USD 501 message to families April 17
USD 420 Osage City Schools also announced it will not be dismissing students early Friday. Instead, the district announced a plan on social media that staff will follow if severe weather strikes and said that parents could pick their children up early if they wanted to do so.
“Parents/Guardians of bus riders can pick up their child after school if they so choose to do. We would appreciate if you let your child’s building office know if you plan to pick up your child so we can communicate that were picked up to the bus drivers.”
USD 420 Superintendent Ted Hessong
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Schools dismissing early
- USD 343 for Perry-Lecompton – dismissal at 1 p.m.
- USD 243 for Lebo-Waverly – dismissal at 2 p.m.
Schools dismissing normally
- USD 475 for Geary County Unified School District
- USD 430 for South Brown County
You can click here for the latest weather forecast. For our list of closings and delays, click here.
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