- Chisago Lakes School District
- Winter Weather
Winter Weather Information
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Minnesota winters seem to create the potential for severe weather warranting school closings or delays nearly daily. We take the responsibility for each weather call very seriously despite the decisions never being easy.
Our goal is to make the “right” call when it comes to closings and delays. Many variables are considered when attempting to best ensure the safety of students and staff as we attempt to accommodate all of the families in the District. Weather-related decisions in a district with a land area of nearly 165 square miles with varying land features from Chisago City to Taylors Falls will not always seem perfect. The status of neighboring districts may even be different.
Keep in mind, we will do what we deem to be best for Chisago Lakes. Ultimately, a student’s attendance at school is a parent or guardian’s decision. If parents and guardians feel it is unsafe for their child to travel to school, the absence will be excused.
Our Considerations:
- Can students get to school safely and home safely? Not only are students bused to school, but many students drive. We will take into consideration both modes of transportation when making our school closures and delay decisions.
- Weather forecasting. We’ll do our best to understand cold, wind, road conditions, and visibility. Keep in mind those 165 varying square miles in our District. We will utilize “spotters” (school employees and law enforcement) throughout the District to provide us with guidance when possible.
- Keeping routines for families and school. We all want students in school. School staff want to keep the learning going and parents wish to minimize disruptions to their daily routines. However, inclement weather may trump those goals. Parents and guardians, ultimately, you will make what you deem to be the “right” call for your student(s). It should be noted, however, that schools must meet state requirements for attendance and if cancellations exceed what is allowed in our calendar, make-up days may be required.
Winter Weather Frequently Asked Questions
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Where can I get information regarding school closings and delays due to the weather?
Please ensure your contact information is accurate in ParentVue as a direct school message is the most accurate source of information. If you need help updating your information, please contact your school office. The decision to close or delay school will be made as early as possible so families and staff will have time to react. Parents will be notified through the automated School Messenger system via phone and email regarding late starts or cancellations. Additionally, announcements will be made on TV Channels 4, 5, 9 and 11 and the District website at www.isd2144.org.
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What time does my child’s school start when there is a two-hour delay?
- Chisago Lakes High School - 9:50 a.m.
- Chisago Lakes Middle School - 9:40 a.m.
- Taylors Falls Elementary - 11:00 a.m.
- Lakeside Elementary - 11:05 a.m.
- Chisago Lakes Primary - 11:15 a.m.
- Chisago Lakes Education Center (CLEC): Pathways to Change (PTC)/SOAR - 9:40 a.m.
- Early Childhood: No AM Preschool or ECFE classes
- Kids Club: 8:00 a.m.
In terms of bus pick-up times, add two hours to your child’s normal pickup time. If the normal pickup time is 6:45 a.m. it will be at 8:45 a.m. on a two-hour late start day. -
What if the weather worsens during the day?
There are times when an early dismissal is unavoidable. We are asking parents and guardians to consider this scenario and have a plan in place should we dismiss school early. We realize this is a tough situation for families, so it is critical we have complete and accurate contact information in ParentView for parents, guardians and emergency contacts. In the event that the weather worsens and schools remain open, parents and guardians still have the option to pick up their child early by following normal office procedures.
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How will I know if other programs, activities, field trips or Community Education events are canceled?
When school is closed, it doesn’t necessarily mean all other activities are canceled. Please refer to our district website, www.isd2144.org, for information on closing and delays for all school activities.
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How do I update my contact information in ParentVue?
As a parent or guardian, you can update your contact information online thorough ParentVUE or by calling your child’s school. Early Childhood contact information can only be updated by phone. You only need to update your information once for all of your children.
How to update your contact information online in ParentVUE (0:41 video)
To update your contact information by phone, please call the school’s main phone line or number listed below.
- High School: Lisa Lund, 213-2510, llund@isd2144.org
- Middle School: Courtney Daugs, 213-2443, cdaugs@isd2144.org
- Taylors Falls: Alicia DeNio, 213-2102, adenio@isd2144.org
- Lakeside: Barb Nelson, 213-2302, barbnelson@isd2144.org
- Primary School: Amy Odland, 213-2202, aodland@isd2144.org
- Pathway & SOAR: Dana Stachowski, 213-2071, dstachowski@isd2144.org
- Early Childhood: Jessica Hansen, 213-2282, jessica.hansen@isd2144.org
