It is once again nearly winter in Wisconsin and we wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with some guidance on how inclement weather decisions occur in the School District of Waukesha.
Each Winter event is different when it comes to storms, ice, and wind chill. We collaborate as superintendents in Waukesha County to make the best decisions possible with the assistance of the National Weather Service. The decision to close schools will be made prior to 5:00 a.m. on any given day.
When we anticipate bad weather that does not cause us to close schools, you can expect the following:
Doors will be open early so students can come directly into the building.
Dropping students off a bit later than school start is a secondary option for parents, as opposed to keeping students home all day. We love to see the kids as much as possible!
When the weather is severe, parents certainly have the option to keep students at home if they feel traveling to school presents a dangerous situation.
We also want you to know that we do not have the ability for an early release should the heavy snow decide to come after we are in session. Finding enough bus drivers prior to normal route times and the potential hazard of sending young children to locked homes always creates concern.
Finally, there has been enhanced discussion regarding snow days being a thing of the past due to virtual and distance learning. In the SDW, we have four inclement weather days built into our school calendar and they are generally rare in being used each year. Accordingly, we intend to allow kids and staff to take a deep breath on these days and pause learning as we have traditionally. We hope you will get outside, play and relax.
Winter in Wisconsin can be challenging but can also be beautiful. We will work together to keep kids and staff safe while also offering high quality teaching and learning opportunities throughout the upcoming winter months.
Dr. James Sebert
Superintendent of Schools