Inclement Weather Notification
We alert families and staff about closures, snow days, and delayed starts no later than 5:30 a.m. If a delayed start turns into a closure, notifications will be made no later than 7 a.m.
Notifications are made via:
- Text (opt in or change your communication preferences via Infinite Campus)
- District and school websites
- District Facebook and Instagram
- Local news stations
- ParentSquare
Full Closure Due to Inclement Weather
The first five days of school closures due to weather will be full closure days for all levels and buildings following the announcement on Jan. 24, 2025. These are considered “traditional snow days,” during which students and staff are not required to attend or work remotely.
If additional closure days are needed, the district will implement the following plan:
- High schools and middle schools engage in synchronous eLearning.
- Synchronous eLearning “snow” days start two hours later than normal school start times and follow a schedule established by the school. The later start allows students and teachers to prepare for short-notice remote learning. Staff and students will attend courses remotely based on the school’s bell schedule.
- Elementary schools are closed.
- Elementary students do not attend in person or remotely. There is no eLearning for elementary students. Elementary school staff will work remotely and start their days two hours later than normal.
All after-school activities, athletics, and meetings will be canceled. Schools will notify students directly about any exceptions.
Two-Hour Late Start Due to Inclement Weather
When inclement weather requires a two-hour delay, all students and staff will report to their schools two hours later than usual. There will be no eLearning during late starts; all learning will be in person.
Morning preschool will be canceled, while afternoon preschool will run on its normal schedule.
Early Release
Occasionally, weather conditions require releasing students early. In these situations:
- Parents are urged to develop a plan for early release situations.
- Parents will be notified by phone and email.
- Information will be posted on the district website and social media. Local media will also be notified.
Lightning Safety Procedures
If lightning strikes within 10 miles at dismissal time, safety procedures will be implemented and families notified. The following will occur:
- Students who walk home must wait inside the building for 30 minutes or until the all-clear is given. Students may call their parents for guidance.
- Students who are picked up must wait inside until their ride arrives. Parents should use the designated pickup line and not pick up students in other areas. Some schools require signing students out inside the building; please check with your school. All students should be picked up within 30 minutes of dismissal.
- Students who ride the bus should proceed quickly to their designated bus.
- High school students who drive themselves should go directly to their vehicle and leave campus promptly.
Academy District 20 Inclement Weather Decision Guide
Forecasts
Weather reports from the National Weather Service (NWS) are checked daily and monitored continuously during inclement weather. The district monitors most storms 12-24 hours in advance and seeks additional customized forecasts specific to the district.
Road Conditions
The NWS allows school districts to speak directly with forecasters and access detailed weather information online. Academy District 20 has a team that drives district roads starting around 2 a.m. to assess conditions, which can vary greatly across the district’s hundreds of square miles. Staff check snow amounts, iciness, drifting, and visibility in various microweather zones.
Temperature
Temperature and wind chill affect decisions about delays and closures. The district may delay school start due to extreme wind chills and considers closing when there is a risk of frostbite. This includes when the NWS issues a wind chill advisory or forecasts sustained wind chills of -17 degrees or colder.
Consultations
The district consults with nearby school districts (Falcon D49, Colorado Springs D11, Lewis-Palmer 38), the US Air Force Academy, local law enforcement, and State/County Departments of Transportation regarding road closures and snow removal. Additional sources include local forecasts, the National Weather Service, and Skyview Weather.
Operations and Transportation
Facilities teams clear snow at schools and ensure buildings are operational (heat, electrical, water). The transportation department works to keep buses on schedule, though delays may occur due to slick or snow-packed roads and mechanical issues in cold or icy conditions.
Decision and Communication
The district aims to notify families about potential decisions the night before, with communication by 9 p.m. If no decision is made the night before, a recommendation is made to the superintendent around 5 a.m. to maintain a regular schedule, implement a two-hour delay, or close. A two-hour delay or closure is communicated via text/email and posted on the district website, social media, and local news stations before 5:30 a.m. If conditions worsen, a delayed start may turn into a closure, with updates by 7 a.m.
Family Considerations
Parents and guardians should remind students to dress appropriately for the weather. Students will not be penalized if parents or guardians decide to keep them home on inclement weather days. Absences should be reported to the school.
Make-up Days
The district requires a set number of instructional days each year. If closures cause the district to fall below this number, make-up days may be scheduled and announced as needed.