Be Prepared for Winter Weather
Be Prepared for Winter Weather
Now that we're in the first week of December and the cooler temperatures are here, it is a great time for a reminder about plans for inclement weather.
Snowstorms, sleet, fog, ice, and cold weather can lead to cancellations, delays, or early release from school. You may visit the OSD website for information on inclement weather practices in the Oregon School District. Decisions regarding school delays and cancellations are always made in alignment with the priority of keeping students and staff safe. Check out Inside the OSD Podcast (S3 E5), to hear our discussion on the process for determining weather-related closures.
Cold weather also has the potential to impact school closings, specifically with respect to extreme cold warnings. If the National Weather Service issues an Extreme Cold Warning, we may close school for the day or consider a delayed start if the warning will be lifted in the mid-morning hours. School will be in session during a Cold Weather Advisory. This is an established standard for the majority of Dane County school districts.
Communicating About Weather
The Oregon School District will communicate school cancellations, delays, or early releases via the following channels:
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School District website: www.OregonSD.org
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Campus Portal message alerts - please make sure your alert preferences are up to date (click for instructions)
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Local news and radio stations
If school will be delayed or closed for the day, the District will make every effort to make this decision by 5:30-6:00 AM (the normal timeframe for closures).
Please make sure to check the Oregon School District website or local news outlets before your child leaves for school on potential inclement weather days.
As parents and guardians, you always have the final decision on your child's attendance at school on inclement weather days. If you have a concern for the safety of your child on a certain day, you can make the decision to keep them home or pick them up early. This will be an excused absence. Please communicate with your school office if you make this decision.
Best wishes for a safe winter season!
More News
Make sure you're ready for winter by reviewing plans for how OSD handles inclement weather school closings and what we've communicated with families. Tune into our latest podcast (S3 E5) for a discussion with Senior Chief Meteorologist, Bob Lindmeier, about what goes into predicting inclement weather and how it impacts schools.
The Oregon School District recently joined the Dane County Traffic Safety Commission for a press conference to urge community members to help keep our kids safe by slowing down near schools and stopping for crosswalks and school buses.
New OSD educators are here and we are thrilled to welcome them this great group of professionals to our team!