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WEATHER-RELATED SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION
Wisconsin weather is not always predictable. Closing schools due to bad weather is a difficult decision under the best of circumstances. We understand that these decisions affect our families. It isn’t an easy decision, and we carefully consider each situation on a case-by-case basis. It is our preference to stay open whenever possible to minimize the impact on our families.
As outlined in District Policy 8220 – School Day/School Closure, the District Administrator may close, delay, or dismiss school early when such action is required for the safety of students and staff. The decision is made after careful review of weather reports, consultation with our transportation department, and communication with neighboring districts.
If there is a high probability of extreme weather or other known circumstances, the decision may be made the night before and families will be notified at that time. If the weather is questionable, the decision may not be made until early morning. We will do our best to send this message to families by 5:45 a.m.
FACTORS CONSIDERED FOR SCHOOL CLOSING
The primary focus when making a decision is the safety of students and staff. If we feel it is safe to operate, we will open as usual.
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Forecasts, Severe Weather Timing, and Duration: We monitor the National Weather Service forecasts out of Duluth, MN, closely.
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Temperature and Windchill: Sustained low temperatures or severe windchills are deemed hazardous. In general, a “close school” decision may be triggered when the temperature or windchill reaches –35°F, especially if conditions are not expected to moderate throughout the day.
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Transportation: Our District is geographically very large, so we consider all families and their commute when decisions are made. If school is open but parents feel that their travel conditions are unsafe, this may be considered an excused absence (please see absence information below).
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Travel Conditions: Hazardous roads, reduced visibility, or worsening weather can factor into a closure or delay.
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School Operation Challenges: Roads, sidewalks and doors need to be open from emergency vehicle access if the building is occupied. Additionally, unforeseeable circumstances, such as power outages or broken water pipes, may also affect school operations.
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Although the school day may remain in session, the District Administrator may determine that it is unsafe to proceed with after-school activities, including co-curricular and extra-curricular events, due to inclement weather. Families will be notified promptly of any cancellations or schedule changes so alternate plans can be made.
CALCULATING AND MAKING UP SNOW DAYS
The number of snow days allowed each year is determined by the total instructional hours required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI)—not by the number of calendar days but the number of instructional hours.
According to DPI requirements:
All early releases, late starts, and school closures are included in this time calculation. Each year, we build in additional instructional hours for these circumstances when planning our school calendar. However, because many variables can affect total instructional hours, makeup days or schedule adjustments may be added if the total falls below the DPI minimums.
Conversely, if the built-in hours are not fully utilized (i.e., there are few or no weather-related closures), families may be granted additional hours, such as a day without school or an early release, pending School Board approval of a calendar amendment. Please note that families will always be notified of any changes in a timely and appropriate manner.Although the school day may remain in session, the District Administrator may determine that it is unsafe to proceed with after-school activities, including co-curricular and extra-curricular events, due to inclement weather. Families will be notified promptly of any cancellations or schedule changes so alternate plans can be made.
FAMILY INFORMATION
Family cooperation is essential during inclement weather. Children should always be dressed appropriately for the conditions. We recognize that no school closing decision will be universally accepted, and that family schedules and childcare arrangements can be impacted. Families always retain the right to keep their child home if they believe it is unsafe. These absences are excused at the discretion of the Building Administrator and in accordance with our attendance policy.
COMMUNICATIONS
Families will be notified as soon as the school-closure decision is made so alternate plans can be arranged. All school closing information will be communicated through Skylert (email, phone call, and text message)* and posted on district social media (Facebook)
* It is the family’s responsibility to ensure that their contact information is current with the school in order to receive these notifications.
Below is a list of news and radio stations that are made aware of school closing information:
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