Closings
Weather in Minnesota is unpredictable and can be dangerous at times. However, in the event that the school district will be closed, we will post announcements online, with various media outlets, and through our alert system. The district makes every possible effort to keep schools open, in most weather conditions, if bus travel is safe. Unless we announce otherwise, assume that school will be in session. It is always up to parents to make the final decision about whether or not to send their children to school if they believe weather conditions present a safety issue. No school credit is lost, and it is an excused absence if a parent decides to keep their child home because of extreme cold or inclement weather. For snowy or cold conditions, always be sure to dress your kids warmly for the bus stop or the walk to school, and allow for the occasional delay with bus pick-up times. The decision to keep schools open - or to close them - results from weighing factors including excessive snow, temperature or wind chill numbers well below zero, the condition of roads, and at times whether buses will start. School districts strive to remain in session when at all possible, providing a day of learning, but also safe and warm places for students to be as well. We want to avoid situations when students are waiting at a bus stop or walk to school if they did not take note of school closing notifications. It is a serious decision made with the well-being of our students and families in mind.
When to look for announcements: winter storm, excessive cold, or an emergency situation cause us to close school for the day or delay the start of school, a decision will be made as soon as possible.
How will I know if schools are open or closed?
Schools are Open
On cold or snowy days when weather conditions may not be ideal but bus routes are safe, the district will keep schools open. We realize that weather or traffic conditions could cause some buses to run late or present challenges for some walkers if sidewalks still need to be shoveled.
On days such as this, it is always the parents' decision whether or not to send their children to school if they believe there is a safety issue regarding weather conditions.
No school credit is lost, and it is an excused absence if a parent decides to keep their child home because of extreme cold or inclement weather.
Schools are Closed
The school district would close school if it is unsafe for students to arrive at school or if buses would have difficulty traveling their routes.
The amount of snow, temperature, wind chill, passable roads, and at times the possibility of buses not starting are among the many factors that are considered.
If schools are closed, we would alert our families by phone, text, email; on our website; and through local media.