FROM THE DESK OF:  Superintendent, Laura Myrah

It is that time of year already … time to share Snow/Cold Day protocols! 

When school is canceled for Arrowhead and its seven K-8 elementary feeder districts, it means all school-related activities (athletics, co-curricular clubs, performances, etc.) for that day and evening are also canceled, unless you hear different information directly from an Arrowhead staff member or coach. 

Families are notified of school cancellations through the following means, typically in the order listed below. If the decision can be made the evening before, we will. Otherwise, the social media postings and automated phone call typically will occur between 4:30-5:15 a.m. 

Common questions from previous years:  

Q. How do I know, or how do I change, the phone number Arrowhead uses for the Skylert automated phone call regarding school cancellation? 

A. The phone number and email address you supplied during the online registration process this summer is the number/address pulled by the Skyward/Skylert system for the snow/cold day phone call, as well as for any school emergency that may arise. Parents can and should update any phone number/address changes by clicking on "account" in the upper right when you are in Skyward Family Access. 

Q. What criteria and process are used in determining to cancel school for weather issues? 

A. The cancellation of school as a result of a snowstorm involves gathering information from national and local weather services, neighboring school districts, and local resources (Dousman Transportation Co., Dept. of Transportation, law enforcement, etc.). Available data regarding the condition of local streets, school district facilities and grounds, busing services, and projected timing of the snowfall are all considered when canceling school for a snow day. 

When considering the cancellation of school as a result of bitterly cold temperatures, the issuance of a wind chill WARNING (a sustained wind chill of around -35 to -45 degrees or colder), is the key decision-point for nearly all school districts in southeastern Wisconsin. Please note, a warning is different than a wind child advisory. 

Finally, a 4 a.m. conference call is held with Waukesha County superintendents, as well as representatives from all of Southeastern Wisconsin to compare information and decisions. A top priority is the health and safety of our students, parents, and staff, while also preserving as much learning and work time as possible for all of those parties involved. When school is in session, parents certainly have the prerogative to determine the weather conditions are too risky to the health or safety of their own child(ren). Please remember to call in any absences, so it will not be deemed an unexcused absence on the record. 

Here’s hoping for a mild, safe winter! 

Laura Myrah, Superintendent