South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo) evaluates several factors before choosing to shift to distance learning, close school or cancel activities due to hazardous winter weather. SoWashCo consults with a variety of internal and external experts in order to make the best decision for students, staff and families.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-21 Winter Weather Plan includes adjustments for student learning. In most cases, students will shift to distance learning depending on the district learning model. In the event that a “Distance Learning Day” is announced for hazardous winter weather, the following will occur:
- Hybrid learning model: Students will shift to distance learning
- In-person learning model: Students will shift to distance learning (also known as e-learning in teachers contract)
- Distance learning model: Students will remain in distance learning
- Virtual Learning Academy: Students will remain in distance learning
There may be some rare winter storms that require SoWashCo to enter into a Winter Weather Closure (emergency closure). An emergency closure means all learning activities are canceled and district buildings are closed due to hazardous winter weather.
SoWashCo continually monitors the forecast from the National Weather Service in order to make the best decision for students. Additionally, dismissing students early or delaying the start of the school day is not logistically possible.