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Weather Closures

When severe weather affects Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) classes and programs, we want families to understand how decisions to close schools are made.
 
The district recognizes that school closures affect the schedules of students, families, and staff and mean that students do not have access to school resources, including meals. At the same time, the safety of students who walk to school or wait at bus stops is a high priority.
 

Three Types of Weather Closures

  1. Full closure of all district schools and facilities (no school at all)*
  2. Two-hour delay (all schools open two hours later than their regular start time)
  3. Early closure of schools (time varies)*

*All daytime and evening activities/events are canceled.
 

Winter Weather Closures

When extreme winter weather is predicted or arrives suddenly, the district will monitor conditions and will consult with local government agencies, the National Weather Service, and bus companies before making any decisions to close schools or impact programming.

What factors does the district consider?

In winter, the district monitors the weather when the National Weather Service issues a Winter Weather Advisory, Winter Storm Watch, or Winter Storm Warning OR a Cold Weather Advisory, Extreme Cold Watch, or Extreme Cold Warning. (Read criteria for these designations.)

Each weather event is unique, including the timing (onset and conclusion) and length, road conditions, and impact on transportation to and from school. Extreme temperatures, wind, rain, ice, and snow are among the factors considered.

When are closure decisions made?

We understand that families and staff are eager to learn about closures as early as possible. The decision to close schools will be made no later than 6:00 a.m. on the day of the closure. (If schools are to remain open, no announcement will be made.)

Announcements will be made the night before ONLY when severe weather is already underway or the certainty of severe weather is extremely high. A shift in temperature or the track of a storm can mean the difference between many inches of snow versus light snow or rain. We want to cancel school ONLY when necessary for student and staff safety. When schools are closed for weather, the school days must be made up according to Wisconsin Administrative Code 8.01(2)(f).

Note: In some cases, the district may decide to delay the start of the school day or release students early. All decisions to alter the school day will be communicated via the channels listed below.

How will we be notified?

When a decision is made to close school, it will be communicated in multiple ways to make sure the information reaches everyone:

  1. A message will be sent via phone to families and staff.
  2. A notice will be posted on the district website.
  3. Notices will go to local TV and radio stations.
  4. The announcement will be shared on social media.

In some cases, school staff and/or district staff will be asked to report to work.
 

Heat Closures

In summer, the district monitors the weather when the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning, an Excessive Heat Watch, or a Heat Advisory for specific daytime heat conditions. (Read criteria for these designations.)

MPS will consider the impact of heat on students, typically for Summer Academy, early fall, or late spring school days. Any decision to close school or alter the school day will be communicated through the same channels as winter weather closures.
 

Sports, Extracurriculars, and Related Closings

When schools are closed, all sports and extracurricular activities will be canceled. All Milwaukee Recreation events and programs will also be canceled. The Milwaukee Recreation weather policy is available on their website.
 

Tips for Families

It’s important for families to be prepared for extreme weather and its effects. Here are some tips for keeping students safe and staying informed about school closures:
 
  • Send your child with appropriate clothing every day so they are prepared for a sudden change in weather, a bus delay, or another unexpected situation.
    • Note: Elementary school students receive at least 20 minutes of outdoor recess every day. Depending on weather conditions, recess may be moved indoors at the discretion of the principal. If you need warm clothing for your child, talk to the parent coordinator or social worker at your child’s school.
  • Check the district website to confirm school closings. Do not assume that schools are closed because the weather looks bad in your area.
     
  • If schools are staying open and you decide to keep your child home due to weather, be sure to contact the school office to report that they will be absent. Update your contact information at your child’s school so messages are sent to the correct phone number(s) and email address(es).
     
  • Update your emergency contacts as well in case you cannot be reached.
    • Note: If your Campus Parent Portal profile is marked “private” or if no contact is marked as guardian, you will not receive messages from MPS. Contact your child’s school to make updates to your profile.
  • To receive text messages from MPS, including weather closure announcements, sign up by texting the message “Y” or “Yes” to 67587.
    • Note: When the district sends messages through text or email, do not unsubscribe. Unsubscribing to one message will remove you from ALL future communications, including weather notices.
       

Weather Resources