Emergency School Cancellation Procedures

We would like to take this opportunity to review the factors that contribute to closing schools and declaring emergency days. This letter also serves as a reminder of how and when you can expect to receive notifications regarding school closures or eLearning days.

As in recent years, TrueNorth works closely with our member districts’ superintendents regarding student attendance and transportation during inclement weather. Together, we are committed to a process that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all students. Because TrueNorth students use multiple transportation carriers, timely decision-making is essential, and ongoing communication with member districts helps ensure decisions are made as quickly as possible.

TrueNorth program classrooms located within member district buildings will follow the host district’s weather-related decisions and calendar. If an emergency day is declared, it will be made up according to the host district’s schedule. The host district may also choose to implement an eLearning day.

TrueNorth’s calendar includes one embedded emergency day in May and four emergency days at the end of the school year in June. TrueNorth has created and received state approval for its eLearning program, allowing eLearning to be implemented during a school closure and reducing the need to use an emergency day. We recognize that transitioning to an eLearning day on short notice can be challenging for families and staff, especially when closures result from sudden weather changes. Given the available options, and in alignment with our commitment to in-person learning, the safety of students and staff will always guide our decision to declare an emergency day.

If school is closed, TrueNorth will notify families by 5:30 a.m. on the day of the closing. When possible, decisions will be made the night before. If severe weather is predicted, we will attempt to notify you between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Please note that when school is closed due to inclement weather, all extracurricular programs are canceled.

TrueNorth will send an email and automated phone call when a closure occurs. Updates will also be posted on the TrueNorth website and the Emergency Closing Center website.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jimmy Gunnell

Mr. Jim Nelson

TrueNorth Interim Superintendents