Weather Information

When severe weather affects MPS classes and programs, we want families to understand how decisions are made.  

The district recognizes that school closures affect the schedules of students, families, and staff. Closures also 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. 

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. You can read criteria for these designations at weather.gov/daafety/winter-ww. 

Each weather event is unique including the timing (onset and conclusion), length of the event, 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. 

• If schools are to remain open, no announcement will be made. 
• The decision to close schools will be made no later than 6:00 a.m. on the day of the closure.  

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). 

How are families notified?  

When a decision is made to close school, it will be communicated in multiple ways: 

• A notice will be posted on the district website at mpsmke.com
• Notices will go to local TV and radio stations 
• A message will be sent to families and staff 
• The announcement will be shared on social media 

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

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. 

Delayed Start or Early Release 

In some cases, the district may decide to delay the start of the school day or release students early. Any decision to alter the school day will be communicated as above for winter weather. 

You can read MPS Administrative Procedure 4.01(3) on our website.

Recess 

Elementary school students receive at least 20 minutes of outdoor recess every day. Be sure to send your child with clothing appropriate for the weather. Recess may be moved indoors at the discretion of the principal, depending on weather conditions. If you need warm clothing for your child, talk to the parent coordinator or social worker at your child’s school. 

Be Prepared

• Be sure to check for school closings. Do not assume that schools are closed because the weather looks bad in your area.
•  Send your child with appropriate clothing every day so they are prepared for a sudden change in weather, bus delay, or other unexpected situation.
•  Update your contact information at your child’s school so messages are sent to the correct phone numbers and emails.
•  Update emergency contacts at your child’s school in case you cannot be reached.
•  To receive text messages, you must sign up. Text the message Y or Yes to 67587. This can be done with any mobile phone.
•   When the district sends messages through text or email, do not unsubscribe. This will remove you from ALL future communications, including weather notices.
•  If you decide to keep your child home due to weather, be sure to contact the school office to report that your child will be absent.

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. You can find criteria for these designations at weather.gov/safety/heat-ww.  

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 as above for winter weather.