If a student will not be attending school due to cold weather or other concerns , a parent or guardian must call the school to report the absence or the student will be counted as absent . Absence due to weather or other concerns will be excused if reported by a parent or guardian .
If you are having difficulty with your child ’ s school attendance and would like to problem solve supports , please contact the school principal / support staff .
Release of students : late arrival / leaving early
Students will only be released to persons other than legal parents or guardians if a note is received from the parent / guardian and a valid photo ID is presented - verbal requests and phone calls cannot be honored . If a student arrives late or leaves early , parents / guardians must sign their students in or out at the office . Please check in at the office when picking up your child – do not go directly to your child ’ s classroom .
Also see “ Policy regarding parental contact with students during the school day ” on page 44 .
Dropping off items
If you are dropping off an item such as lunch , homework or textbooks , go to the office and a school staff member will deliver the item to the classroom , or call the child to the office at an appropriate time .
UNUSUAL HAPPENINGS Cancellation of school
School is canceled only in extraordinary circumstances such as extreme winter weather , equipment failure or public crisis . School staff , district administration and the School Board are aware of the difficulties created by an abrupt cancellation of school . The district will post information about school closings / delayed start times through a variety of communication vehicles . In the list below , the first six communication vehicles are the quickest ways to receive such information .
• District and school websites .
• District and school social media pages ( Facebook and Twitter ).
• Backpack Online e-newsletter .
• Text message from AHlert system .
• Dial the district office at 763-506-1000 or any other Anoka- Hennepin phone number to hear a recording .
• Media outlets including WCCO , KSTP , Fox 9 , Kare 11 , Northwest Community TV , WCCO radio and Star Tribune newspaper .
Cold weather questions and answers
The following questions and answers have been developed in response to common questions about the operation of school on cold days .
How cold does it have to be to close school ?
The safety of all our students is our first priority when determining if schools should stay open in extreme winter weather . In making this decision , district officials use the National Weather Service ’ s warning system .
If the National Weather Service issues a “ wind chill warning ” stating that exposed skin can become frostbitten in less than 15 minutes , then the district will likely make a decision to close . If a “ wind chill advisory ” is in effect , students who are properly dressed for the weather should be able to walk to school or wait for the bus without risking frostbite .
The decision to close school is a serious one , and it affects many working families who would have to take a day off of work or find day care on short notice . Some families do not have these options and their children may be left home alone . Often , children are more at risk when we close school . As the largest school district in Minnesota , with more than 240,000 residents and 38,000 students , many families and businesses are affected when Anoka- Hennepin closes school .
What if I am concerned about the weather and school is in session ?
In cases of extreme winter weather , parents and guardians have the final decision on whether to send their children to school . If school is open , students are expected to attend . However , if parents and guardians feel their children would be in danger , they may choose to keep them home . The absence will be excused if the parent or guardian calls to report it prior to the start of school . If the school is not contacted , the student will not receive an excused absence . Students who are already in school will not be excused if they choose to go home .
Does the district lose money if school is closed ?
No . The district does not lose state aid if school closes for weather or other emergencies . State revenue is based on the number of students enrolled in school , not on the number of days in school .
Will elementary students be allowed outside for recess when it is 25 below zero ?
No . The guideline for keeping children inside for recess is 0 degree temperature or 10 degrees below zero wind chill . Accommodations for children with special medical needs can be made with the Health Services office ; written documentation from a doctor will be required .
Are student crossing guards allowed out in cold weather ?
Yes . School staff check student crossing guards to ensure that they have warm and proper clothing to be out in cold weather .
Here are tips on appropriate dress for cold weather :
• Wear several layers , the layer of air between each piece of clothing acts as extra insulation .
• Wear clothing that insulates , shields and breathes . Wool and polypropylene are good insulators .
• Outer layers should be wind and waterproof .
• Wear wool socks and well-fitting waterproof boots .
• Wear a hat to prevent heat loss .
• In most cases , mittens are warmer than gloves .
• In extreme cold , cover all areas of exposed skin .
2022-23 School Handbook ahschools . us / policies 5