School bus with snow

2024 Update from the National Weather Service:

Effective Oct. 1, 2024, the National Weather Service simplified its language for cold weather. Here is a summary of the changes:
  • Wind Chill Advisory is now called Cold Weather Advisory and will be issued for “feels like” or apparent temperatures of -20F to -29F.
  • Wind Chill Watch/Warning is now called Extreme Cold Watch/Warning and will be issued for “feels like” or apparent temperatures of -30F or colder.

Weather Closing/Delay Considerations

In the event that severe weather conditions dictate the need to delay the beginning of school or cancel school entirely, the following procedures will be used:

  1. The superintendent will monitor weather forecasts.
  2. Prior to 5 a.m., the superintendent considers a number of factors such as:
    • safety of the students, especially considering that we have young, often inexperienced drivers, as well as students who walk to school
    • safety of our staff members
    • the type of precipitation – fog, snow, ice, etc.
    • the amount of precipitation that is being predicted
    • predictions and timing of real and “feels like” temperatures
    • the timing of the weather event
    • the current state of road conditions, in tandem with the predicted, new precipitation
    • the type and duration of a weather advisory/warning
    • feedback from city and county crews who are working on the roads, as well as other sources of relevant information
  3. Consultation occurs with Des Moines and other neighboring school districts.
  4. A decision is normally made by the superintendent no later than 5:30 a.m. to delay the beginning of the school day by two hours or to cancel school.
  5. If the decision is made to delay the beginning of the school day, conditions may change enough to warrant cancellation. The decision to cancel school following a decision to delay will usually be made by 6:30 a.m. and no later than 7:00 a.m.

In the event of inclement weather, such as heavy snow, extreme temperatures, or dangerous wind chills, Waukee Community School District may do one of four things:

  1. Cancel classes at all schools, but administrative offices remain open.
  2. Cancel classes at all schools and administrative offices are closed.
  3. Dismiss schools two hours early.
  4. Delay the start of school by two hours, but administrative offices open at the regular time.

If the superintendent issues one of these four notices, please see below for an explanation of what impact it will have on students and parents/guardians.

This announcement means the following for students and parents:

  • No classes will be held.
  • No school-related activities, including intramurals.
  • No breakfast or lunch service. Breakfast and lunch menus are subject to change for the following school day.
  • All early-childhood and early-childhood special education programs will be closed.
  • No Beyond the Bell or YMCA before-and-after-school childcare.
  • No evening Community Education classes.
  • Facility rentals are canceled.

This announcement means the following for students and parents:

  • All schools will dismiss 2-hours earlier than their normal dismissal time.
  • All high school events will take place as scheduled unless mutually agreed upon by the participating schools.
  • All middle school activities are canceled.
  • Varsity athletic practices and activities will be voluntary.
  • Lunch will be served. Service time may be changed to accommodate building needs.
  • Normal hours will be in effect for morning preschool.
  • No afternoon preschool.
  • No evening Community Education classes and facility rentals are canceled.
  • Parents are expected to pick up their children within an hour after the scheduled dismissal time from Beyond the Bell and YMCA after-school childcare.

This announcement means the following for students and parents:

  • All schools will begin classes two hours later and dismiss at the regular time.
  • Buses will run routes two hours later.
  • Students should listen for announcements when arriving at school about which class period will begin the school day.
  • Beyond the Bell and YMCA before-school childcare will be open two hours late at 8:30 a.m. (unless otherwise communicated)
  • Lunch will be served. Service time may be changed to accommodate building needs.
  • All classes will end at the regular time.
  • Morning preschool will be canceled.
  • All before-school, extracurricular activities will be canceled.

Family Communication

We will use the following methods to communicate with families during an emergency:

ParentSquare (email, text, & phone): We will provide updated information as it becomes available to all families using the contact information in PowerSchool. ParentSquare fully integrates with PowerSchool, and families are automatically opted in to receive notifications.

Website (waukeeschools.org): Emergency messages and updates will be posted on the district homepage as they develop.

Facebook (@WaukeeCSD): Messages will be posted as quickly as possible to our Facebook page.

Local news media: When appropriate, we will make information available to local television and radio stations and will enlist their assistance in communicating with our audiences.