Inclement Weather Plan for Orono Schools – 2020-21

In anticipation of severe weather, Orono Schools makes every effort to notify families and staff as soon as possible. Due to the pandemic and the variety of learning models in place, inclement weather procedures will be different this year. 

The Superintendent may close school, declare an asynchronous* learning day, delay the start of school, or dismiss school early based on information from the National Weather Service. The following scenarios may be implemented:

• If schools must be closed due to severe weather conditions, the Superintendent will make the best possible decision based on weather forecasts. We appreciate your understanding and patience. 
• In the event of a school closing, students in all learning models will engage in online, asynchronous learning. Students will receive guidance from their instructor(s) through Seesaw or Schoology.
• Late starts and early dismissals could also be implemented depending upon the weather forecast and conditions. Schedule changes will be communicated to families and students in all learning models. 
• If schools close, Orono childcare (including Tier 1 school day childcare and full-day Preschool) will also be closed. More information will be shared in a separate communication.

Communication. Family members will receive a phone call, email and text message (message and data rates may apply) through the district’s parent/guardian notification system. Announcements will also be posted on the district website home page, Facebook and Twitter accounts, and shared with the following local media: KSTP-TV, Channel 5; WCCO-TV, Channel 4; KARE-TV, Channel 11; and KMSP-TV, Channel 9. These media outlets also post School Closings on their respective websites (see links in this paragraph). 

How to update your contact information. To ensure that the district has accurate contact information for your family, please log in to ParentVUE and select the “My Account” tab to update your email and telephone information. 

*During an asynchronous learning day, instructors provide an online learning path and expectations which could include materials to review, time to work on assignments, guidance for student collaboration, etc.