School closed due to cold weather

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When parents think of winter, they may envision slow commutes to work, shoveling snow, or perhaps the dreaded school cancellation from adverse weather. When children think of winter, they imagine hot chocolate, playing outside in the snow, and those exciting school cancellations from adverse weather. These school cancellations, though viewed through different lenses, are common ground between parents and their children.

For Superintendents like Dr. John Schultz of the Hopkins Minnesota School district, these decisions are certainly not taken lightly. “Education is a basic civil right to every citizen”, says Dr. Schultz. “When schools close, the loss of education and student learning is always central in the decision.” The safety of the child is first and foremost. “Superintendents must consider the safety of the children traveling to and from school, as well as providing time for staff to get to school, plowing of the school parking lots, and opening daycare facilities for parents.”

In order to better understand the forecast winter weather conditions, Dr. Schultz utilizes the hourly weather graph from the National Weather Service.  As the name implies, the hourly weather graph gives detailed information about weather conditions every hour.  People can navigate to the hourly weather graph, and select any weather parameters to get an hour by hour forecast. In addition, you can set specific thresholds and the forecast will highlight when these are being met or exceeded. This can aid decision makers, and in the case of Dr. Schultz, allow him to implement a two hour delayed start versus a full day’s cancellation.

Snow and ice are common causes for school closures, but extreme cold is another factor that Superintendents must consider during the winter season. Dangerous wind chills can be hazardous to children waiting outside for the bus, or students traveling by car that may get stranded. Wind chill considers both wind speed and air temperature to better approximate how quickly the body loses heat. Exposed skin is especially at risk for frostbite when the air is cold and winds are strong. Parents are the first line of defense when it comes to preventing injuries from extreme cold. Parents need to be aware of the risks cold weather poses and prepare their children appropriately.

According to Dr. Schultz, “parents should take the time to learn about the weather conditions they send their kids into every morning and afternoon, whether they are bus riders or walkers. Parents should also teach their children a plan if a child is stranded in inclement winter weather. If a child drives, be sure that there is a winter driving kit in their child’s vehicle. Parents need to be aware that school includes outdoor recess time every day as part of their elementary child’s development, and having appropriate clothing for the day is important. All schools have resources for families who may be financially challenged at purchasing appropriate weather clothing for their kids. Having appropriate clothing before, during, and after school is necessary for a child’s safety and comfort.” This is great advice, so please take it into consideration when planning for this upcoming winter season.

• EXTREME COLD

  How does temperature affect the decision to hold school?

  When very cold weather strikes we receive many questions from families and staff asking whether school will be closed due to cold temperatures alone. The answer is yes. Under certain conditions, outlined below, extreme cold may cause school to be closed for the safety of our students and staff.

  The Ferguson-Florissant School District considers a set of internal weather guidelines to help determine whether temperatures are safe to hold classes. Our weather guidelines state that if the wind chill temperature is ABOVE (warmer than) -17 degrees at 5 a.m., schools are generally open. If the wind chill temperature falls BELOW (is colder than) -18 degrees at 5 a.m., schools are more likely to be closed. These guidelines take into account the amount of time it takes for exposed skin to develop frostbite and the average amount of time it takes for students to walk to school or wait at bus stops. Of course, other factors may also be considered, but these parameters provide a general guide. Click here to view a National Weather Service (NWS) brochure on wind chills to learn more.

  When temperatures do not warrant closing, families should help their children to be prepared for the weather to make sure that they stay as safe and warm as possible as they make their way to and from school:

  • Dress them warmly, in layers; with a hat, scarf, gloves and appropriate footwear.
  • If your child generally walks to school, consider giving them a ride or having children from your neighborhood carpool together.
  • If your child rides the bus, dress them warmly, but also consider waiting in the car with them at the bus stop, or having one person in your neighborhood maintain a warm car by the stop. 

  Just like our families do when school is in session during very cold weather, the District makes some adjustments in response to the weather to ensure our students and staff are safe and as comfortable as possible:

  • Our transportation department begins preparing district buses as early as 4 a.m. to make sure the engines start and heaters work so that students have as warm a ride to school as possible. Drivers are careful to arrive at bus stops as close to “on time” as possible.
  • Custodial and maintenance staff ensure temperatures inside our classrooms are comfortable and are on standby to respond to any facilities issues that can arise due to frigid temperatures outside.
  • Recess and all gym class activities are held indoors.

  Because instructional time is so valuable for all of our students to be able to achieve at the highest levels, we wish for all students to be in school as much as possible. However, ultimately, families decide what is best for their children based on individual circumstances. We hope that this information is helpful for our students, families and staff to know more about our decision-making process and the steps we can all take to continue our teaching and learning even when it’s very cold outside.

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