As winter weather begins, I want to take a moment to share Norwood ESD 63’s approach to potential school closures due to inclement weather or other emergencies. The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority. Decisions about emergency closures are made thoughtfully and in collaboration with our transportation provider, neighboring superintendents, and local and national weather services.
Weather and emergency conditions can be unpredictable. We generally do not cancel school or dismiss early based solely on a forecast. For a closure or early dismissal to occur, conditions must be actively present and pose a risk to the safety of students and staff. Typically, a decision to cancel school may be made the evening before, between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., though most decisions are made no later than 6:15 a.m. the following day. In rare, extreme cases, an early dismissal may be announced during the school day.
Can schools close when it’s extremely cold but there is no snow?
Yes. Schools can be closed even when there is no snow or ice. Extreme cold is the most common reason for closures under these conditions, though there may be other safety concerns as well.
Norwood ESD 63 has an E-Learning Plan in place, allowing us to provide virtual instruction on days when in-person learning is unsafe. If a school closure is warranted, we are more likely to use an E-Learning Day this year to ensure continuity of learning. Families will receive clear instructions and advance notice whenever an E-Learning Day is planned. These days will include a combination of learning packets and online resources, with teachers available to support students as needed. This approach ensures all families can participate, whether or not they have internet access or need to accommodate childcare arrangements.
Communication during closures:
Should a school closure or E-Learning Day be necessary, notifications will be sent through our district all-alert system, posted on our social media pages, and shared with local news outlets. Families should monitor these sources for the most up-to-date information.
Thank you for your continued support as we navigate winter weather. By working together and keeping both safety and learning a priority, we can ensure every Norwood student continues to thrive, whether in the classroom or through e-learning.
—
Jake Flowers
Superintendent
Norwood ESD 63