Weather Emergencies & School Closings

The decision may be the result of inclement weather, loss of power, water main break and/or other emergency situations that may occur within the district. In cases of inclement weather, the Superintendent works with the Director of Business Services to verify the conditions of the roads and the ability for all buses to start and drivers to be able to arrive in time for routes to run. 

Whenever possible, the decision to close school will be made by 5:30 a.m. 

All unscheduled school closing, late start, or early release information will be communicated in the following ways:

• Automated voicemail
• E-mail
• Text (be sure you have opted in to receive text messages from School Messenger - the district's emergency response notification system)
• District and school websites
• Postings on district social media channels
• Local Television Outlets - WCCO (Channel 4), KSTP (Channel 5), KMSP/FOX (Channel 9), and KARE (Channel 11)

Late starts and early dismissals are inherently difficult for many programs and families. With this in mind, administration will do their best to keep these to a minimum. Early dismissals will be determined as conditions dictate. All families should have a contingency plan for their children in the event of school closings. 

In the event of a late start, morning Early Learning programs and classes (including preschool, ECSE, ECFE, home visits and child care), School Age Care, and morning adult Community Education classes and programs, are cancelled. Programs resume at noon.  

Decisions to cancel after school and evening activities will be made by 3 p.m. and will not necessarily be tied to a school closing. This decision will be made by the Superintendent in consultation with the Director of Business Services, Activities Director and Community Education Director. 

• When school is cancelled, the following programs are also cancelled:
  • School Age Care
  • Adult and youth enrichment classes
  • Success Center
• When a Late Start is called, the following are cancelled:
  • Morning School Age Care
  • Adult and youth enrichment morning classes held before noon. 
  • Morning Success Center
• When an Early Dismissal is called, the following are cancelled:
  • Adult and youth enrichment classes held after school and in the evening      
  • Afternoon School Age Care
  • Afternoon Success Center

• When school is cancelled, the following programs are also cancelled:
  • Early Learning Center classes, activities and extended learning (child care).
• When a Late Start is called, the following are cancelled:
  • Morning Early Learning Center classes and programs (preschool, family education, early childhood and ECSE): Classes resume at noon.
  • Extended and all-day pre-k, and extended learning (child care) are cancelled for the entire day.
• When an Early Dismissal is called, the following are cancelled:
  • Early Learning Center afternoon classes and programs

Weekend events and/or facility rentals will be determined by appropriate Community Education and athletic staff and communicated via local media outlets.

Continuity of learning is important for our students to succeed. In order to do this, we feel that learning needs to continue even when we have an unplanned cancellation of a school day. Students will be expected to participate in their courses in Seesaw/Schoology or through activities that they can do around their home.

All Schools in Minnesota have a required amount of time for which students must attend. In the event that we have a school cancellation due to inclement weather, e-Learning Days help us meet our attendance requirements.

• Families will be receive an automated message notifying them of a school cancellation. Messages will also be distributed on the district website, social media, and appear on local television stations.
• Students will log on to their courses in Seesaw/Schoology to connect with their teachers and work on their assignments.
• Teachers will check email and voicemail periodically during the school day to answer questions and provide guidance.
• Submission details for e-learning Day assignments will be determined and communicated by each teacher, and attendance will be taken for that day.
• Students with special needs may face unique challenges while performing academic tasks independently. Provisions will be made for the particular needs of each student by their teachers.