January 3, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As the possibility for severe winter weather heightens, the Madison Metropolitan School District has reminders for parents and others responsible for student safety regarding school closings.
First, when the weather is bad, the District must make one decision that is best for all 25,000 students combined. This decision might not fit with an individual student's circumstance. Thus, Madison Schools encourage and strongly support parents to make the decision that is best for their child. This means that the parents' decision has top priority.
Schools are not dismissed early on days when the weather is bad. In many families, adults work outside the home and there are no child care arrangements possible before the end of the school day. If a parent feels his or her child would be safer at home, the parent can pick the child up before the end of the school day.
The primary factor in making a school closing decision due to snow or ice is the ability of buses to travel safely to and from school. The decision to close schools is made by 6:30 a.m., and communicated to local radio and television stations.
The guideline for closing schools due to extreme cold is if the National Weather Service issues a wind chill warning of 50 degrees below zero or lower for the length of the entire school day.
Weather-related school closing decisions are difficult because parents vary in their views on what constitutes unsafe conditions. The bottom line is that Madison Schools encourage parents to make the decision that they feel is best for their child.
Public Information Office
545 W. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703
608-266-6270
email: newsrelease@madison.k12.wi.us
Last Modified: 2000-01-03
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