September 5, 2023

Dear parents and guardians:

I hope this message finds you well! 

We know that winter weather can change quickly in Wisconsin. When winter weather strikes, we have three options for adjusting our days. Because decisions like these are not too far out for us, I would like to take a moment to review our inclement weather options. As a school district, we determine whether or not our schools will be in session. It is ultimately up to you as the parent to determine whether or not your child attends school during winter weather events. If schools are open and you feel it is best for your child to stay home, please call the school to provide an absence notification.

When winter weather is predicted, we monitor forecast models frequently. The checking of road conditions typically begins around 4:00 am, giving us time to announce cancellations by 6:00 am.

Cancellation
If we cancel school, we will announce this decision by 6:00 am. This means all schools, 4K, after-school programs, and public use of buildings are canceled for the day. The school district buildings are considered “closed.” Direct notification to families will be made by phone call.

Two Hour Delay
If we delay, we will announce this decision by 6:00 am. The school day starts two hours later than normally scheduled under this scenario. Direct notification to families will be made by phone call.

  • Buses run two hours behind their normal schedule.
  • No breakfast is served.
  • School lunch will be served at or near the normally-scheduled time.
  • AM 4K is canceled for the full day. PM 4K will occur as scheduled. 
  • After school activities and afternoon public use of buildings may still occur.
  • If a Two Hour Delay becomes a Cancellation, this decision will be made by 8:00 am. Direct notification to families will be made by phone call.

Early Release – Two or Three Hours Early
If am early release is necessary, we will announce this decision by 10:00 am. Details are  as follows:

  • Morning 4K releases at its normal time. Afternoon 4K is canceled.
  • Altoona Elementary School Early Release:
    • Bus riders at 11:50 am (three hours early) and 12:50 pm (two hours early)
    • First round parent pick up at 11:40 am  (three hours early) and 12:45 pm (two hours early)
    • Second round parent pick up at 11:45 am  (three hours early) and 12:45 pm (two hours early)
  • Altoona Intermediate, Middle, and High Schools release at 12:35 pm (three hours early) or 1:35 pm (two hours early). 
  • Lunch is at or near the normally scheduled time.
  • After school activities and public use of buildings is canceled.
  • After school child care is canceled. 
  • Direct notification to families will be made by phone call and email.

We plan to communicate any weather-related decisions to you in the following ways:

  • Local TV and radio
  • District website, Facebook
  • Skylert mass notification system

Direct notifications to families will be made by phone call in case of an early-morning cancellation or 2-hour delay, and by phone call and email when an early release is necessary.

Families should check Family Access to be sure their phone number and email address are current. Family Access is a left side link at: https://www.altoona.k12.wi.us/parents. A link to the Family Access Guide is also available there to provide step-by-step instructions as well as contact information if you need help with your username and password.

Weather cancellations are tough decisions because we realize that last-minute changes in the school schedule create inconveniences for families. We will take great care in each situation to use the information available to us to make the very best decision we can. We understand that parents and children rely on schools to meet a variety of needs. We will stay open whenever we are able to safely transport the children using our busing system, but if you feel the weather creates an unsafe situation for your child, please also know that we respect your discretion in making the decision you feel is best for your child. Please also know that teen drivers who normally do not ride the bus are welcome to ride the bus if parents do not wish to have them out on snowy roads.

For the 2023-2024 school year, we have three snow days built into the calendar. If we cancel a fourth day (or beyond), instruction will be delivered using our virtual platform. Should we near that potential of a fourth day, we will send out the additional instructions to families. 

Please be aware that we monitor the weather closely in the winter, especially when school schedule changes are a possibility. Our number one priority in our decision-making is the well-being of our students.

My best,

Dr. Heidi Eliopoulos
Superintendent