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Living in Wisconsin there is always the potential for inclement weather conditions that may warrant delayed starts or emergency closing of school. The decision to delay or close schools is a serious one that is made using the most accurate information available at the time when the decision needs to be made.
Arrowhead Schools Framework for Closing: There are many factors for a potential closure including the use of the standards applied by the National Weather Service to guide our decision-making. We consider closing for cold when the weather service issues a “Wind Chill Warning” (sustained -35 degrees). For snow and ice, we consider closing when the weather service issues a “Winter Storm Warning” (6” snow in 12 hours, 8” snow in 24 hours, 2” sleet, ¼” or more of ice, blowing snow), Blizzard Warning, and an Ice Storm Warning. *These standards do not result in any automatic decision but instead, start a formal analysis that also considers factors like timing and anticipated duration of a weather event.
Decision Process: Discussions take place with other area school districts, the bus company, and our contact at the National Weather Service.
Communication: A decision to close school is targeted to be made before 5:00 a.m. on any given day. This provides adequate time to notify media outlets, staff, and families before the need for anyone to begin traveling to school. When the decision is made to close, media outlets are notified and all parents and staff are contacted by phone and email using our automated school Skylert system. When watching media outlets, Lake Country School's closure will be listed as Arrowhead Schools.
Early Dismissal: Once students are at school, it is complicated to close the school at a substantially earlier time than regularly scheduled dismissal. Bus drivers need to be brought in, and parents need ample notice to make arrangements for the care of young students.
Safety: The decision to delay or close school affects many people and is not made lightly. The safety of students, staff, and parents is certainly our top priority and is weighed heavily when considering all pertinent information and considering a course of action. Please know that as parents you always have the choice to keep your children home if you feel uncomfortable about conditions/situations. Please call the Lake Country School attendance line to notify the district at (262) 367-3606.
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