Heavy Snow

If we have heavy snow that creates conditions where the safety of students and staff is at risk, travel is prohibitive, or buildings cannot be prepared for a regular school day, school will be closed.

Unlike cold, it is more challenging to determine if the conditions will result in a closure or late start due to snow. The decision is based on the rate of snowfall and the ability to clear snow from the roads and school properties. More often than not parents should expect notification of a school closure due to snow in the morning, by 6:00am.

In times of snow covered sidewalks and/or roadways, bus drivers may stop along their routes to pick up walking students as long as this does not compromise the safety of students already on the bus. (i.e. full bus with no available seats)

Severe Cold

Windchill Warning – Schools Will Be Closed

Schools will be closed under the condition of a Windchill Warning. A Windchill Warning indicates that life-threatening conditions and a risk to safety exist. Measures should be taken to safeguard life and property immediately.

A Windchill Warning is typically issued when  

• the windchill will be -30 degrees Fahrenheit or colder and the winds are greater than or equal to 10 mph OR
• the actual temperature is -15° F

WindChill Advisory – Schools Will Be Open

A Windchill Advisory is issued when conditions do not meet the Windchill Warning criteria but still cause significant inconvenience. The weather during a Windchill Advisory is not life threatening but presents conditions that may result in inconvenience or pose moderate risk to safety.

A Windchill Advisory is typically issued when

• the wind chill is -20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder AND
• the winds are greater to OR equal to 10 mph

There may be times when the day begins with a Windchill Warning and temperatures rise early in the day, leading to a Windchill Advisory. In these cases, a late-start may be considered.

During a Windchill Advisory, bus drivers may stop along their routes to pick up walking students as long as this does not compromise the safety of students already on the bus. (i.e. full bus with no available seats)