Dear Maquoketa Families,
As another winter season approaches, I have met with our neighboring superintendents and Transportation Director Hansen to discuss our winter weather procedures. I recognize any winter weather decisions impact families and can be difficult and at the same time we will always fall on the side of student and staff safety. We have staff and "new drivers" (14 year-18 year olds) traveling long distances and at the end of the day it's most important that everyone returns home to their families safely! The decision will be made based on current conditions, weather forecasts, radar, law enforcement, and other neighboring school data. We also review whether there is a watch versus a warning.
Transportation Director Hansen and I start driving roads between 4:30 am - 5:00 am and communicate with each other and with other area Superintendents and Transportation Directors in order to make the most informed decision possible. We will try to communicate this to staff and families as early as possible (our goal is to communicate by 6:00 am) so you can begin making arrangements as needed. Keep in mind that road conditions at 5:30 am before the roads are plowed can be much different than road conditions at 8:00 am. In addition, the weather conditions within our own district can vary greatly between the north and south. All of these factors are part of the process and my commitment to make an informed decision to keep students and staff safe.
We will communicate any decisions to staff and families using our alert system. This will include notifications by phone, text, Facebook, our website and our local media outlets.
In addition, students will go outside for recess or activities until the “real” temperature and/or windchill is zero degrees or below. Please send clothes with your students so they are comfortable and warm to go outside. If you need any support with winter/outside gear please contact your child’s building secretary, nurse or principal. Thank you for your continued support during this season. If you have any questions please feel free to call the Central Office at 563-652-4984.
Thank You,
Tara Notz
Superintendent
Maquoketa CSD