Weather Closings and Alerts

Snow, extremely cold weather, or a facilities problem such as a broken water main could cause schools to close for the day, move to a flexible, at-home learning day, start late, or dismiss early. Spring Lake Park Schools makes every possible effort to keep schools open, in most weather conditions, if bus travel is safe. Unless we announce otherwise, assume school is in session.

In the case of snowy or cold conditions, be sure to dress students warmly for the possibility of longer walk times or waits at the bus stop and allow for the occasional delay with pick-up times. Absences due to weather concerns will be reviewed by an administrator for potential follow up if school has been open and in session.

We make decisions to close school looking at a number of factors. Buses must be able to start and run dependably. Local road conditions must be safe and passable. Windchills must be safe, especially during bus pick up and drop off times. When there are sustained wind chills of 40 to 45 degrees below zero during critical travel times, conditions are not safe for students. Like neighboring districts, the National Weather Service is our source for weather information.

Due to the often unpredictable winter weather in Minnesota, in most cases we wait until the morning of each school day before notifying families. However, there may be rare instances when we make a decision the night before.

Our goal is always to have school in session.

We never want to lose a day of valuable learning, and we have a history of remaining open. The district makes every possible effort to keep schools open, in most weather conditions, if buses can run reliably and the wait at the bus stop and the walk to school are safe. 

Throughout the school year, unless we announce otherwise, assume that school will be in session. When schools are open we know that students are in safe and warm places.