Snow and extreme cold are already in the forecast this year. While we may be dreaming of snow-covered holidays, now is a good time to share how and when our school district makes decisions about school closures and where you can find all of the information.
Where Can School Closure Information Be Found?
E-Mail, SMS, Telephone Calls, Push Notifications
School closures will be shared via e-mail, text messages, and telephone calls. If you are not receiving these messages please check your information in Skyward or contact your school’s office.
You may also receive push notifications via the Rochester #3a app. Learn more here.
Social Media
For those who are social media users information will be posted via the District's social media accounts. Follow us at:
Rochester CUSD #3a Webpage
Updates will be provided on the homepage and live feed of the home page for the District and each school. You may access the District homepage here.
News Media
School closure announcements are shared with local news media.
When Are School Closure Announcements Made?
Our most important responsibility is to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We take this very seriously. School officials begin monitoring weather, often days in advance of a system moving in, while consulting with first responders, road commissioners, and weather experts in order to understand the most up-to-date information.
When conditions are known the evening before, announcements to close schools will be made by 9:00 p.m. Oftentimes, weather systems move in overnight. When this happens we are typically up monitoring the weather and driving roads checking conditions by 3:30 a.m. Announcements to close schools will be made between 5:30-6:00 a.m. Announcements are made only when schools will be closed in order to limit confusion. If there is no announcement, schools will be in session.
Can Schools Be Closed If It Is Extremely Cold But Doesn’t Snow?
Yes, schools can be closed even when there is no snow and ice. While there are several reasons schools can be closed when there is no snow or ice on the ground, extreme cold is the most common. When temperatures reach -20 degrees with windchill, school officials consider closures. If temperatures remain at that level during travel hours and throughout the day, school closures are likely to occur.
Do the Schools Require Remote Learning When Schools Are Closed?
At Rochester Schools, our goal is to maximize our in-person learning to the greatest extent possible. This includes during emergency days. Rochester schools do not require or offer remote learning during school closures. School districts are allotted five emergency days each year. When an emergency day is utilized, it is made up at the end of the year as reflected on our school calendar. This year for example, if all emergency days are used, the last day of school will be May 30th. If no emergency days are used, the last day of school will be May 22nd.
Factors such as internet connectivity, human resources, food service, and more are reasons why traditional emergency days are utilized instead of remote learning. Also, there is still something to be said about the magic of a “snow day.” Sleep in, wear pajamas, play games, go sledding, build a snowman, spend time with family, and enjoy the unscheduled day!
With the winter season upon us stay connected with Rochester Schools for the most up-to-date information.
It’s a great day to be a Rocket!!!