Emergency School Closing Information

District 47 Weather Hotline 258-1950

NOTE: If District 47 is cancelled for the day, all activities are cancelled and buildings are closed for the entire day.

Emergency Closing announcements on the website will appear on the top of the home page.

Minnesota weather is sometimes difficult to predict. That’s why it’s essential to anticipate and prepare for school closings, delayed openings, and early dismissals. Our local public and parochial schools follow a coordinated plan to better ensure the safety of our children. Various winter weather statements, watches, and warnings are issued by the National Weather Service. School officials use these statements as indications that weather conditions may cause the cancellation or early dismissal of school.

Heavy snowfall, ice storms, extreme cold, and strong winds are not the only contributors to an emergency situation. Fog can be equally dangerous. While sun may be shining in one area, visibility may be reduced to a few feet in another location, creating a potential hazard.

Safe Students — Informed Parents

In any weather emergency, the main objective is to provide protection and a safe environment for students. District 742 Community Schools, Sauk Rapids-Rice, and Sartell-St. Stephen school districts will be using a coordinated, weather-related emergency closing plan again this year. This means that public and parochial schools in all three districts will close (or remain open) according to the same winter emergency schedule. Radio stations and news services will be contacted on behalf of each district, but area residents should recognize that the three districts are working together on these decisions.

Emergency Closing Procedures

• The three superintendents will try to announce school closings or late starts the night before severe weather.

• When a morning emergency closing or a late start is required, every effort will be made to reach a decision prior to 6:00 a.m.

Radio & TV Announcements

Announcements regarding school closings, delayed openings, or early dismissals relative to District 742 Community Schools, Sauk Rapids-Rice, and Sartell-St. Stephen school districts will be made on the following radio and television stations:
Winter weather and emergency situations are not predictable, and they may happen at any time. The purpose of the weather-related closing plan is to assist parent/guardians and students to be better prepared to deal with emergency situations and reduce their effects. Parents are encouraged to prepare for emergency closings. Special child care arrangements should be made which could be used in the event of a late start, early release, or a school closing.

Ultimately, the parent/guardian should make the final decision whether a child should attend school during severe weather.

NOTE: In the event of an early dismissal or a school closing, all student activities and practices, including KIDSTOP, Community Education, Early Childhood, Recreation and all community use of school buildings is canceled.

District 47 Weather Hotline 258-1950