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:
Email
Text (opt-in via Infinite Campus or change your communication preferences in the Extended Parent Portal)
District/School websites
District social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter)
Local news stations
ParentSquare (CTES, CMS, AAHS)
Full Closure Due to Inclement Weather
The first two days of school closures due to weather will be full closure days for all levels and buildings. 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 after using the two traditional snow days, 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 times allow students and teachers to prepare for short notice remote learning. Staff and students will attend courses remotely based on the “bell” schedule established by the school.
Elementary schools are closed.
Elementary students do not attend in-person or remotely. There is no eLearning for students. Elementary school staff will work remotely and start their days two-hours later than their normal start time.
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, and all learning will be in person.
Morning preschool will be canceled, while afternoon preschool will run on its normal schedule.
Early Release
Occasionally situations arise when the weather moves in mid-day and we need to release students early. In these situations:
Parents are urged to develop a plan for situations when their student may be released early.
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
If lightning strikes within 10 miles at dismissal time, we will implement safety procedures and notify families using 20 Alert. The following will happen:
Students who walk home from school must wait inside the building for 30 minutes or until they receive the all-clear and it is safe to walk. Students may call their parents to ask for direction.
Students who are picked up from school must wait inside until their ride has arrived. Parents should use the designated pickup line and not plan to pick students up in other areas. Some schools require that you come inside the building and sign your student out. Please check with your school for guidance. 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 without lingering in the parking lot.
Find out more about lightning policies at Board Docs.
Academy District 20 Inclement Weather Decision Guide
Forecasts
Weather reports from the National Weather Service (NWS) are checked daily. During inclement weather or forecasted inclement weather, reports are monitored continuously. Academy District 20 monitors most storms 12-24 hours in advance. Additional forecasts are sought out, including customized forecasts specific to our District.
Road Conditions
The NWS permits school districts to speak directly with a forecaster in addition to having access to detailed weather information online. If inclement weather is expected, Academy District 20 has a team of personnel who drive the District’s roads starting around 2:00 a.m. Academy District 20 covers hundreds of square miles, and conditions may vary greatly throughout the District. Each area has unique features and several micro weather zones. To assess conditions accurately, District staff drive various roads, checking snow amounts, iciness, drifting, and visibility.
Temperature
Temperature and wind chill also affect Academy District 20’s decisions around delays and closures. The District has delayed the start of school due to extreme wind chills and will consider delaying or closing school if the NWS issues a wind chill advisory, typically for sustained periods when the wind chill is -17 degrees or colder.
Consultations
Additionally, Academy District 20 makes many local contacts which could include nearby school districts (Falcon D49, Colorado Springs D11, Lewis-Palmer 38), the US Air Force Academy, local law enforcement for closed roads or accidents, State/County Department of Transportation for snow removal status, and the NWS for the most current forecast.
Operations & Transportation
While road conditions are being checked, Academy District 20’s facilities teams clear snow at schools and ensure buildings are operational (heat, electrical, water, snow cleared). The transportation department works to keep buses on schedule, though some may run late if roads are slick or snow-packed, and mechanical issues may arise in very cold or icy conditions.
Decision & Communication
In factoring in the forecast and potential impact on operations, Academy District 20 will make every effort to notify families about a potential decision the night before. Should a decision be made the night before, the District will make every effort to issue communication by 9 p.m. Should a decision not be made the night before, a recommendation is made to the Superintendent around 5:00 am to either maintain a regular schedule, implement a two-hour delayed start, or close. If additional plowing, sanding, clearing, or improvement in the forecast is anticipated, a two-hour delayed start may be scheduled.
A two-hour delay or closure is communicated via texts/emails to families and posted on the District website, social media, and local news stations before 5:30 a.m. As weather conditions are volatile and can change quickly, a delayed start may turn into a closure. Any changes will be communicated by 7:30 a.m.
Family Considerations
Please remind students to dress appropriately for the weather. The Inclement Weather Procedures document (posted on our website) provides more information on delays and closing procedures. Academy District 20 will not penalize students if parents/guardians decide to keep them home on inclement weather days. Parents/guardians need to report absences to their schools.
Thank you for trusting Academy District 20 with your children’s safety. The District takes this responsibility very seriously.
Make-up Days
District policy 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 we will announce them as needed.