School Closing/ Inclement Weather Information

Factors We Consider

If a severe weather warning is issued by the National Weather Service, we will typically close school. If these conditions are expected to improve by mid-morning, a delayed start might be considered. We consider the timing and severity of predicted weather and its potential impact on getting students to and from school.

Weather Forecast:

We closely monitor weather patterns from the National Weather Service and other reliable sources to assess the predicted impact on our area. We often participate in webinars with the National Weather Service for the latest updates. We review updated forecasts as early as 4:45 a.m. if no decision has been made the night before.

• Examples of Types of Weather that may cause a closing or delay:
  • Winter Storm, Blizzard, Ice Storm
  • Extreme Cold (Wind Chill)
    • We pay close attention to the wind chill factor, particularly during cold weather. We generally hold school during an Extreme Cold (Wind Chill) Advisory. However, a sustained wind chill of -30°F or lower may trigger a closure or delay.

Road Conditions:

We work closely with our transportation provider to understand the impact of weather on bus routes. Our staff evaluate road conditions throughout the District boundaries to determine if they are safe for travel. Significant snow or ice accumulation on roads that could create dangerous travel conditions may lead to closure or delay. 

Access to Busing/ Transportation:

We consider how our students are transported to and from school. This includes:

• Access to transportation in the event of a late-start or early release.
• Safety factors when considering students who walk or bike to school.

Emergency Conditions: 

There are emergencies that may make the operation of a school or all schools difficult or dangerous. Examples of Issues/ Events that may cause a closing or delay:

• Natural Disaster or Fire
• Flooding
• Power Outages
• Utility Disruptions
• Evaculations

Collaboration:

• We consult with other superintendents in neighboring districts to compare reports and ensure a consistent understanding of the conditions.

Notification Procedures

Our goal is to make these decisions as early as possible to allow families and staff time to adjust. A notification typically comes by 6:00 a.m. at the latest. If we are able to determine school closings the night before, we will let you know about it when the decision is made.

We utilize multiple communication channels to inform parents and families about school closures or delays:

• District Website: SDOJ.org
  • A pop-up banner or alert may appear on the website.
     
• Social Media: www.facebook.com/SDofJ
  • You do not need to have an account to view these posts.
     
• Electronic Messaging System:
  • We will use our automated system (BrightArrow) to send phone calls, emails, and sometime text messages to the contact information we have on file.
    • Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date in PowerSchool to receive these important notifications.
      • Contact your child's school if you need to make any changes
         
• Local Media: We also notify the following local TV and radio stations to include our school schedule changes on their closing lists. 
  • WFAW-Fort Atkinson (940 AM and 107.3 FM)
  • WTMJ 620 AM/Channel 4 Milwaukee
  • WMTV Channel 15 Madison
  • WISC-TV Channel 3 Madison

Make-Up Plans

The District has a buffer of instructional days built into the school calendar to account for potential closures due to inclement weather. We also have designated snow make-up days in the calendar if needed.

The District may revisit the need for asynchronous learning days for extended closures.

• The District has two (2) inclement weather days built into the school calendar. Should the District use two inclement weather days this school year, and anticipate a need for additional weather days (e.g., severe cold weather over multiple days), the District will revisit whether or not to implement asynchronous learning days rather than adding minutes to the daily schedule. 

Please review the School Calendar for more information.

Why not just run virtually?
While operating virtually is now an option, it is no substitute for our in-person learning environment. From an educational perspective, we believe this option should be used when it is the best logistical solution.

Affects of Cold Weather, Heat Index, Air Quality on Outdoor Activities

School administration will limit outdoor activities anytime there is a cold weather, heat, or air quality advisory and eliminate outdoor activities when there is an excessive heat or other warning that has not closed schools.

Cold Weather

• Please send your child to school with appropriate winter clothing to ensure they stay warm at recess.
• Plan on your child going out for recess when the temperature including wind chill is above zero degrees.
   

Heat Index

If the heat index is between 90 and 95 degrees:

Students will be provided with ample amounts of water and will remain in air conditioned spaces as much as possible within buildings. If students are engaging in physical activity:

• When possible the activities will be moved to a shaded area outdoors or moved indoors. 
• Breaks will be provided at least every 20 minutes for about 10 minutes to allow for students to cool down and hydrate. In addition, students will be allowed to take breaks as needed during activities and have access to water.

Staff are asked to watch and monitor students carefully for signs of heat exhaustion and to call a district nurse if there are concerns. 

If the heat index is above 95 degrees:

All outdoor activities will be moved indoors to air conditioned spaces. 

• Water will be provided. 
• Staff will monitor the building's temperatures to determine the level of physical activity to allow.
• Staff are asked to watch and monitor students carefully for signs of heat exhaustion and to call a district nurse if there are concerns.

All sporting events and co-curriculars will use the WIAA guidance outlined in the WIAA's Model Policy for Managing Heat & Humidity. 

Outdoor Air Quality

Children and adolescents are identified by the EPA as a member of "sensitive groups" who may experience health effects. Schools will follow the EPA's Air Quality and Outdoor Activity Guidance for Schools based on the Air Quality index for Jefferson. As a result the district has the following guidelines for each level of advisory or warning due to poor air quality condition:

• Good (Green 0-50) & Moderate (Yellow 51 - 100): No limitations
• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange 101 - 150): Teachers of students identified with underlying health conditions and are to follow the health plan for those students, which may include remaining indoors during recess.
• Unhealthy (Red 151-200): Outdoor activities will be limited for all students
• Very Unhealthy (Purple 201 - 300) & Hazardous (Brown 310 - 500): Outdoor activities will be cancelled or moved indoors and large group outdoor events will be postponed.

In accordance with the WIAA Medical Policy and Procedures, if the air quality index is at the "unhealthy" range or above, moving all outdoor sporting practices/training indoors and postponing sporting events will be strongly considered.