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Weather Information

When weather is severe, we want you to know how we will make decisions about closing any in-person programming in MMSD buildings. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we always follow a set of guidelines to make decisions about whether school will be open or closed.

The district must make a decision that is the best for all students. We realize, at times, our decisions may not fit with your individual circumstances. Therefore, we encourage and strongly support you in making the decision that is best for your child(ren). You are always the best judge of their health and safety.

Kids playing in the snow

How do we decide whether or not to close due to snow, ice and/or extreme cold?

The district monitors weather conditions and consults with meteorologists, the City of Madison, Madison Police and transportation providers. We will consider closing schools at negative 25 degrees.

We use this information to consider closing buildings in cases of extreme cold, snow or other hazardous conditions. To help our families and staff plan for any closures, we make every effort to make a decision on closing by 9pm the evening prior or by 5:30 am the morning of.

When schools are closed, are other activities canceled as well?

When Madison schools are closed for the day, it also means that all activities scheduled in school buildings for that day are canceled.

Wind Chill Information

The wind chill chart is provided for your information and to help make wise decisions concerning the safety of children. The shaded areas indicate areas of possible danger; however, individual circumstances may have an impact, e.g. play area is protected from wind versus exposed to wind; it is a sunny day versus a cloudy day; or it is snowing.

Possible Bus Delays

Winter weather conditions may cause minor delays. Please continue to follow the noted times of pick-up and drop-off unless communication has been shared to do otherwise. Please dress accordingly for winter weather.

4 middle students outside posing for picture

We try to keep in-person programming open

We try to keep in-person programming like special education services and MSCR Cares childcare open if it’s safe to do so. However, families can always make the decision to keep their child(ren) at home in bad weather.

How do we decide whether to close due to extreme heat?

We want you to know how we will make decisions about closing school, including Summer Semester, due to extreme heat. The safety of our students is our top priority, and we always follow a set of National Weather Service guidelines to make decisions. Generally, schools will remain open when a Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Watch is issued. Schools will close when an Excessive Heat Warning is issued. You can find criteria for these designations at weather.gov/safety/heat-ww

How are families notified of school closure due to weather?

Families will be notified directly via email, text and robocall. Information will also be posted on the MMSD website and social media channels. Local news outlet will also be informed.