Information Regarding School Closings

 School Closings Due to Inclement Weather

Winter weather will soon be upon us. I would like to review with you the process that is utilized when schools are closed due to inclement weather (snow, ice, etc.).

Weather and road reports are monitored the evening prior to and the morning of those days when it appears that weather conditions might warrant school closings. A network of communications also occurs, including conversations with area bus company personnel, school superintendents and highway departments. A decision to proceed with caution, delay or cancel will be made as soon as possible.

During a delay, bus routes and school openings are delayed by the amount of time school is delayed. School openings may be delayed one or two hours. With delays, most of the day’s instructional time can be preserved.  A delay may be upgraded to a school closing, so it is important to stay tuned to radio or TV stations during the delay.

Sometimes school is in session and weather conditions warrant early release. When a decision is made to close schools or release early, all extracurricular activities are cancelled and radio and TV announcements are made indicating the time students are dismissed from our schools.  Bus transportation is provided at that time for eligible students.

If schools are closed or the start of school is delayed, announcements will be posted on the school district website at www.msd.k12.wi.us and aired on the following radio and television stations:

Radio Stations:     
B-95 (WQRB) Eau Claire 95.1 FM
I-94 Eau Claire 94.1 FM
The Mix (WISM) Eau Claire 98.1 FM
Rock 92.1 Eau Claire 92.1 FM
Z-100 (WBIZ) Eau Claire 100.7 FM
Moose Country WATQ Eau Claire 106.7 FM
Sports Radio WBIZ Eau Claire 1400 AM
WAXX FM Eau Claire 104.5 FM
WAYY AM Eau Claire 790 AM
WECL Eau Claire 92.9 FM
WCCO AM Twin Cities 830 AM
WMEQ AM Eau Claire 880 AM
WWIB Eau Claire/Chippewa Falls 103.7 FM
     
TV Stations:    
KARE 11-TV Mpls/St. Paul, MN Channel 11
KMSP–TV/FOX 9 Eden Prairie Channel 9
KSTP-TV Mpls/St. Paul, MN Channel 5
WEAU-TV Eau Claire Channel 13
WCCO – TV Mpls/St. Paul, MN Channel 4
WQOW-TV Eau Claire Channel 18

You may also sign up at <wcco.com/schoolclosings> to receive e-mail alerts about school closings and delays.

Parents have the final authority whether to send their children to school on inclement weather days if they believe conditions are too unsafe for travel; however, if you choose to keep your child home, you must still report the child’s absence to the school.

This information is being provided to parents and the community so that everyone is better prepared to deal with school closings or delays. If you have any questions about our school closing policy or procedures, please contact Christine Stratton, District Administrator, at 232-1642, ext. 11111.