Two-hour delay procedure to be implemented

Dear Duluth Public Schools families,

After working with our transportation department, principals, teachers union and other administration, we feel confident that we can begin implementing a two-hour late start again. This option was previously removed from the district’s weather closing procedures after a brief stakeholder survey. After this year of record-breaking snow, however, we felt it was necessary to revisit the option.

If a two-hour late start is implemented this is what it would mean for families:

• K-12 Schools start two hours later and dismiss at their regular times.

• Parents/guardians should drop their children off two hours later than usual.

• Buses pick up students two hours later.

• Bus stops remain the same and cannot be changed.

• Buses for Special Education morning transportation will run two hours late. Activities, such as work experience, that would have happened between 8:45 a.m. and 10:45 am. that need special transportation will be canceled.

• No school breakfast service.

• No impact on after-school KEY Zone.

• ECFE classes sched­uled to start prior to 9:45 a.m. are canceled.

• Afternoon and evening Community Education pro­grams and community/organization permitted activi­ties will be held as scheduled.

• AM Preschool classes are canceled.

• K-12 afternoon activities and athletics will be held.

A decision on whether or not to implement a two-hour late start will be made similar to a snow day by 5 a.m. and communicated as soon as possible.

If possible, a decision will be made the night before so families, especially those with elementary age students, have enough time to make alternative plans for their children in the event of weather-related school closings.

Both high schools and both middle schools have revamped their schedules in case of a two-hour late start. You can find links to the Late Start Schedules on our website at isd709.org/weather.

Please know that when it comes to winter weather, we encourage and strongly support you in making the decision that is best for your child. You are the best judge of your child’s health and safety. The school board and administration realize that their decision for the majority of students may not fit with your individual circumstances. As long as you contact the school to report the absence, a decision to keep your child home for safety reasons will be considered excused. If the absence is not reported to the school, it will be considered unexcused.

Our hope is by providing a two-hour late option that we can make sure student learning is not interrupted as much by Mother Nature.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email superintendent@isd709.org.

Thank you.