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Snow day refresher course: Conditions, rules influence school cancellations

JANESVILLE — Snow, ice and bitter cold will come, but will it be enough to cancel school?

That's the golden question students and school workers alike already are thinking about, despite recent balmy weather.

The Janesville School District tells the public each year how it decides whether the weather warrants a snow day. Here's how it all works:

The schools superintendent makes the closure decision in coordination with the Janesville Transit System and Van Galder Bus Co. Factors include the condition of city streets, safety of rural students and information from the county highway and city street departments.

The district does not close early to avoid incoming snow or ice storms. This is meant to protect children who might arrive at home before their parents and have no access or supervision.

Athletic contests and practices are canceled on days school is canceled because of the weather.

On days when school is in session but weather has worsened, cancellations of after-school or evening athletics and/or extracurricular activities will be announced by 2 p.m.

Parents are asked not to call the district for closing information so lines can be kept open for general operations.

If school is canceled, all Preschool 4 Janesville, also known as P4J, classrooms that are located in the School District of Janesville elementary schools also will be canceled.

Parents always have the option of keeping their child home because of inclement weather. The child would receive a principal-excused absence if guardians call the school to report the decision to keep children at home.

The superintendent also has the option of delaying the start of school by one hour. On days of delayed starts:

-- Elementary school classes begin at 9:20 a.m.

-- Middle and high school classes begin at 9 a.m.

-- Special education students will report at 9:20 a.m.

-- Early Childhood Special Education and Preschool 4 Janesville classrooms that are located in district elementary schools will not have morning sessions. Afternoon sessions for both programs will have class as normal.

If your child attends a Preschool 4 Janesville program at a community location, check with that location.