Campus Portal: Parents Staff Students Sign Up Inscribirse

Weather Guidance

Weather Announcements Guidelines

Living in Southwestern Minnesota, we can expect weather challenges throughout the school year. Occasionally, these conditions result in disruptions to the school day or after-school activities. We understand that schedule changes can cause challenges for our families and staff, and we make all school day adjustment decisions with the utmost care and consideration.

Decision-Making Guidelines

District 518 Schools rely on the National Weather Service for weather forecasts, along with input from our transportation teams, the City of Worthington, and Nobles County officials for information related to road conditions.

Cold-weather closures will occur at temperatures of 35 degrees below zero (-35°F), either as the base temperature or wind chill. The temperature determination will be based on readings from the City of Worthington.
If the temperature is predicted to rise above -35°F by 9:30 a.m., a two-hour late start may be considered.

(New practice notation): If a two-hour late start is called and conditions do not improve, the decision may change to a full school closure or Learn from Home Day.

Our top priority when making weather-related decisions is always the safety of students, families, and staff. If a parent or guardian believes keeping their child(ren) home from school is the best option during inclement weather, they may choose to do so. Absences will be excused when reported to the school office attendance line.

Factors considered for weather-related closures include:

  • Forecasted ice, snow, temperature, wind, and the combination of these factors
  • Current road conditions as reported by our transportation partners, District 518 administration, and other local entities

We will avoid early release decisions whenever possible; however, safety will always come first. Weather conditions may occasionally result in delayed dismissal times for school transportation to ensure student safety. Any delays will be communicated promptly.

At-Home Learning

In the event of a school closure, District 518 Schools will use Learn from Home Days so that students can continue learning during inclement weather events. On a Learn from Home Day, students in preschool through grade 12 will engage in learning from home with support from their teachers and staff. Teachers will provide curriculum-aligned assignments and be available by email during regular school hours to support students.

Learn from Home Days are designed to minimize the loss of instructional time caused by weather-related closures. While they cannot replace in-person instruction, they provide valuable learning continuity when school is interrupted.

Communication

If District 518 Schools delay, close, or adjust the school day, announcements will be sent to families through automated phone, text, and/or email messages using the contact information you have provided to the school.
Information will also be posted on:

  • The District 518 website
  • Official social media pages
  • Local radio and news outlets

Whenever possible, closure decisions will be communicated by 9:00 p.m. the night before.
If no communication is received by that time, no decision has been made, and families should expect an update between 5:15–6:00 a.m. the following morning.

On any school closure or Learn from Home Day, all activities, classes, and practices will be cancelled.
In the rare event of a scheduled Section or State meet, the Superintendent will determine next steps in consultation with the Activities Director, and information will follow.

Emergency Closing Procedures

District 518 Schools will implement Learn from Home Days (E-Learning Days) during the 2025–26 school year in accordance with Minn. Stat. 120A.414, as follows:

  • Up to five (5) weather-related closings may be designated as Learn from Home Days, provided there is no loss of power or internet service that would prevent at-home learning.
  • At the Superintendent’s discretion, a full school closure (no Learn from Home Day) may be called if conditions prevent effective delivery of at-home instruction.
  • Any additional weather-related closures or make-up time will be determined by the Superintendent in consultation with the District 518 School Board.

Learn from Home Day Expectations

Preschool (District 518 Community Education Preschool)

  • Students will complete preassigned learning activities provided in home packets sent prior to anticipated weather events.

Grades K–5

  • Students will complete assignments provided in home packets.
  • Additional guidance or resources will be available on SeeSaw.

Grades 6–12 (WMS, Learning Center, WHS)

  • Students will access assignments on Schoology using their school-issued devices.
  • Licensed staff will post learning activities by 9:30 a.m. on the Learn from Home Day.
  • Teachers will be available via email and Schoology during regular contact hours to answer questions and provide guidance.
  • Accommodations for students receiving Special Education or EL services will be provided. Any additional support needs will be addressed upon return to school.

If a weather-related closing is not designated as a Learn from Home Day, all school buildings will be closed, and all programs—including Community Education, ABE, ECFE, EDGE, and NCIC—will be cancelled for the day. If a day is not a Learn from Home Day, that day or time might need to be made up during a make-up day.

In the event of a late start:

  • Family Literacy classes at Community Education are cancelled.
  • Community Education Preschool and Adult Basic Education classes will begin two hours later than normal.
  • Afternoon ECFE, ABE, Enrichment, and NCIC activities will proceed as scheduled.

In the event of an early dismissal:

  • All after-school activities, practices, and evening programs (ECFE, ABE, Enrichment, NCIC, Learning Center Night School, and EDGE) will be cancelled.

Weather Announcements

Announcements regarding school closings, late starts, or early dismissals will be made on the following stations:

Radio

  • KWOA 730 AM
  • US95 95.1 FM
  • Rewind 93.5 FM
  • La Voz 104.3 FM

Television

  • KeloLand TV (Sioux Falls)

Additional Outlets

ShoutPoint (CAMPUS) and TalkingPoints will be used to send automated messages to staff, parents, and students regarding school delays, closures, and early dismissals.

To ensure you receive communications:

  • Keep your contact information (name, address, phone, email) current in CAMPUS.
  • Add District 518’s notification number [507.727.1216] to your phone contacts as a safe caller. Text messages will be from number 64076.

We welcome any questions you may have about this guidance, please contact your student’s building administrator or staff supervisor/building administrator. Our priority is the safety of our students, families, and staff. Stay safe!

Resources

Inclement Weather Protocols