Extreme Winter Weather
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Safety is our first priority in extreme winter weather
The safety of all students is the first priority when determining if schools should stay open in extreme winter weather.
The decision to close school is a serious one, and it affects many working families who would have to take a day off of work or find day care on short notice.
Where can I get information on school closings due to weather?
The district will share information about school closings in a variety of ways. In the list below, the first five communication vehicles are the quickest ways to be alerted:
- Phone, text or email message from AHlert system (for Anoka-Hennepin parents/guardians only; access by logging into your A-HConnect account and then clicking on the AHlert icon)
- District and school websites.
- District and school social media pages (e.g. Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
- Media outlets including WCCO, KSTP, FOX 9, KARE 11, CCX Media, WCCO radio and Star Tribune newspaper.
Those responsible for activities scheduled in schools over the weekend, determine whether or not an activity will be held if weather is a concern.How cold does it have to be to close school?
In making this decision, district officials rely on the National Weather Service's warning system. If the National Weather Service issues a "wind chill warning" stating that exposed skin can become frostbitten in less than 15 minutes, then the district will likely make a decision to close. If a wind chill advisory is in effect, students who are properly dressed for the weather should be able to walk to school or wait for the bus without risking frostbite. Keep in mind, students are not expected to wait more than 15 minutes for their bus to arrive. Check out the new bus app for real-time route information.
What if I am concerned about the weather and school is in session?
In case of very extreme winter weather, parents/guardians have the final decision on whether or not to send their children to school. If school is open, students are expected to attend. However, if parents/guardians feel their children would be in danger they can choose to keep them home. The absence will be excused if the parent/guardian calls to report it prior to the start of school. If the school is not contacted, the student will not receive an excused absence. Students who are already in school will not be excused if they choose to go home.
Winter Weather Information
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Dressing for Cold Weather
Appropriate dress for cold weatherTake a look at the following tips:
- Wear several layers, the layer of air between each piece of clothing acts as extra insulation.
- Wear clothing that insulates, shields and breathes. Wool and polypropylene are good insulators.
- Outer layers should be wind and waterproof.
- Wear wool socks and well-fitting waterproof boots.
- Wear a hat to prevent heat loss.
- In most cases, mittens are warmer than gloves.
- In extreme cold, cover all areas of exposed skin.
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School bus safety tips for winter weather
School bus safety tips for winter weather
Winter weather can be challenging for Anoka-Hennepin’s students due to extreme cold temperatures and snowy conditions.
Students should dress appropriately for cold weather and wear heavy jackets, hats, mittens or gloves, and boots.
In addition, students should be on time at the bus stop, at least five minutes prior to their regular bus routes scheduled time. However, sometimes buses will be late due to weather road conditions, and in those cases, students are not expected to wait more than 15 minutes for their bus to arrive. If possible, parents should drive their children to school if their bus is more than 15 minutes late.
If a bus is running late – our bus companies do their best to alert the school and the Transportation department. Parents/guardians can now check where their student's regular bus is in real-time through the FirstView bus app.Other tips for students:
- Students should wait for the bus several feet further back off the road in a safe place. The roads can be slippery.
- Use the handrail when boarding and exiting the bus to prevent slips and falls on icy steps.
- Keep head and limbs inside the bus windows to prevent frostbite and other injuries.
- Before crossing in front of the bus, wait for an “all clear” from the driver. Cross 10 feet in front of the bus so the driver can see you as you cross.
- Don’t play on snow piles at the bus stop — you could slide into the street.
- Don’t try to retrieve personal items from under the bus that may have fallen — the driver can’t see you.
- Don’t push or shove when getting on or off the bus.
- Don’t chase the bus or grab the bus when it’s moving.
Tips for parents and guardians:
- Parents should keep their car windows clear of frost, ice and snow.
- Parents should use extra caution in school zones and at bus stops, especially where snow piles exist.
- If a student misses the pick-up, don’t try to catch the bus at another stop. Drive the student all the way to school.
- Don’t follow buses too closely with your car — they make frequent stops.
- Always stop for red flashing signals on a bus.
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Winter weather Frequently Asked Questions
How does the district determine if it is safe to operate buses?
District transportation staff members drive roads and check with bus company staff, local city and county public works staff between 4 and 5 a.m. to determine if streets are open and buses can get through. Staff also check forecasts from the National Weather Service and consult with other school districts who may be experiencing the same or similar weather.
In a district of Anoka-Hennepin's size, more than 170 square miles, it would be difficult for the district to maintain a site to track conditions across the system. Parents should assume that unless school is called off, school buses are running.I heard that Anoka-Hennepin never closes for weather related problems. Is this true?
No. Typically, when Anoka-Hennepin has closed school, the conditions were extreme (including heavy snowfall, massive blowing and drifting of snow, as well as ice - conditions that kept buses from running). Here are some recent examples:
- March 2, 2007 (due to wind chill).
- Feb. 29, 2012 (due to ice and snow).
- March 5, 2013 (due to heavy snowfall and unplowed roads in several areas).
- April 19, 2013 (snow, ice and unplowed parts of the district).
- Jan. 6, 2014 (Gov. Dayton ordered schools statewide closed due to extreme cold weather).
- Jan. 7, 23, 27 and 28, 2014 (due to extreme cold weather).
- Feb. 21, 2014 (due to heavy snowfall overnight).
- March 5, 2018 (due to snow).
- April 16, 2018 (due to snow).
- Jan. 28, 2019 (due to snow).
- Jan. 29, 30 and 31, 2019 (due to extreme cold weather).
- Feb. 12, 2019 (snow and unplowed parts of the district).
- Feb. 20, 2019 (due to heavy snowfall).
- April 11, 2019 (due to snow, ice, wind).
- Dec. 21, 2022 (due to extreme cold, blizzard conditions, hazardous travel)
- Jan. 3, 2023 (heavy snow)
- Mar. 25, 2024: (unplowed roads and sidewalks impacting morning travel)
Does the district lose money if school is closed?
No. The district does not lose state aid if school closes for weather or other emergencies. State revenue is based on the number of students enrolled in school, not on the number of days in school.
Will elementary students be allowed outside for recess when it is 25 below zero?
No. The guideline for keeping children inside for recess will be zero degrees or 10 degrees below zero wind chill. Accommodations for children with special medical needs can be made with the Health Services office; written documentation from a doctor will be required.
Are student crossing guards allowed out in cold weather?
Yes. School staff check student-crossing guards to ensure that they have warm and proper clothing to be out in cold weather.
