Regular attendance is important to success in school and we expect that when school is in session, students are engaged in learning. However, because we live in Wisconsin and our winter weather is unpredictable, the Muskego-Norway School District has established the following guidelines for decisions related to inclement weather. Please refer to these guidelines when you have questions about possible school closings. 

• Our first priority is to ensure student and staff safety. We consider information from the National Weather Service, local road conditions (police department), transportation services (bus company), other Waukesha County school districts, and reports from our buildings and grounds department to make a decision about school closures. 
   
• Decisions regarding extreme cold or snow are based on the National Weather Service’s (NOAA) WARNING level. For extreme cold weather, the WARNING level is a sustained minus 30 degrees wind chill or lower with winds at least 4 mph for 3 hours or more.  While exceptions are possible, you should plan on school being open if the forecast does not reach the WARNING level. Cancellations for snow are based on the amount and timing of the snowfall, as well as compounding factors such as wind or ice layers. 
   
• Decisions to close school are made as soon as practicable, typically no later than 5:00am and sometimes as early as 4:15am. Area superintendents remain in close contact as soon as we hear a prediction of inclement weather, often having conversations the day before and again before 4:00am. While we try to keep decisions consistent across the region, each of us must weigh the many factors unique to our district. Therefore, there may be times that another district is open and we are closed, or vice versa. 
   
• Sometimes the weather will surprise us after school is already in session. We will generally not close once school is in session due to transportation and/or supervision concerns. 
   
• Provided we have a current telephone number on file, families will receive a phone call if school is cancelled. You can also find information on our district website, through local media, or by following us on social media. 
   
• If your child lacks warm clothing, please contact your child’s school for information about social service agencies. 
   
• As parents/guardians, you know your child’s circumstances best. Therefore, we respect your decision to not send your child to school when weather conditions are questionable. However, please understand that if school is in session and you decide to keep your child home, your child is missing instruction and will be required to make up any missing work. 

School closing decisions are not easy. Your child’s education is important and we want to provide learning opportunities on as many days as possible. Almost always, some people will agree with the decision, and some will not. Please know that we use our best judgment with the information we have available at the time.