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Winter in Wisconsin typically presents transportation challenges for us all. Certainly, that is true for getting students and staff to and from school as safely as possible. Many days we are faced with the difficult decision of whether to start school on time or cancel the school day altogether. As district leaders make a decision, our most significant concern is the safety of our students and staff.
How a decision is made
On questionable weather mornings, we watch the radar, watch and listen to local and regional weather experts, and communicate with other area district leaders who may also be considering a delay or cancellation. Snow accumulation, along with ice and freezing rain, are all factors we consider when making the call. Wind chill warnings, 35 degrees below zero or colder, generally lead to a decision to cancel school for the day. On many occasions, district staff will get in their own vehicles and take a drive. These efforts may occur the night before, but much of it takes place between 4 and 5 a.m.
Delay, early release, and cancellation
A delay in the start of the school day means that school will begin two hours later than normally scheduled. For example, if school normally begins at 8:00 a.m., a delay will push the start time back to 10:00 a.m. If your child rides the bus, he/she will board the bus two hours later than normal. A decision to close school early due to weather conditions is referred to as an early release. Students are dismissed earlier than normal. Canceling the school day altogether occurs when the weather or road conditions are not expected to improve at all.
Notifying families
The safety of students is of the utmost importance. Families are notified via Skylert. A message is sent in voice, email and text forms using contact information provided at fall registration. We encourage families to check local television and radio stations for up to date news. The district website and Facebook page are also great resources for information about school delays and cancellations.
Keeping your child home
If you believe it is unsafe for your child to attend school because of the weather conditions, we respect your decision. If we do decide to keep schools open, please be assured that we will do our best to keep your children safe while they are in our care.
Dressing children for the weather
Elementary principals watch temperatures and wind chills closely to best determine if recess will be held inside or outside. Please send your children to school dressed for the weather. Local radio and television stations are notified of the district's plan for the day. Some local stations offer a free app for smartphones and once subscribed, the app notifies the user if the local school district has a delay or cancellation.
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