Winter Weather
 

When forecasts call for Winter Weather Advisories or Winter Storm Warnings, we start to watch the weather very closely. As Sibley East Superintendent, I, along with our Transportation Director, review weather conditions by computer, listen to the weather scanner, and travel the district’s roadways prior to 6:00 a.m. to assure the roads are passable and safe for bus and student travel. Very often, additional communications will take place with neighboring districts, counties, and state officials.

Cold also becomes a factor in winter weather decisions. Wind chill temperature, actual temperature, and frostbite time frames are taken into consideration when making a decision to stay open or close schools. If wind chill temperature projections indicate frostbite times of 10 to 30 minutes (-25 to-35), it will be my recommendation to hold school as planned, provided other issues such as snowfall, visibility & road conditions are acceptable. If temperatures exceed this range, school may be delayed or closed.

We at Sibley East Public Schools ask that parents pay special attention to proper clothing for their children during the winter season and especially during these very cold conditions. All students should have proper winter apparel before leaving for school or the bus stop.

Throughout our district, we have so many different family circumstances that a single decision to stay open or close schools may not properly respond to the conditions of a particular family or location. If the decision is made to hold school on days of negative wind chills or excessive snowfall, it is the parent’s final responsibility to determine whether it is safe for their child to go to school. If parents elect to hold their children home due to inclement weather, they are asked to please call the student's main office on that morning to alert us of their absence.
 

Notifications Due to Weather or Other Emergencies

Media Outlets notified of delays and/or cancellations: 

Radio - WCCO (830), KNUJ (860), KRBI (105.5 FM), KYSM (103.5 FM), KQYK (95.7 FM), KARP (106.9 FM), KDUZ (1260 AM),

TV -     WCCO (Channel 4), KSTP (Channel 5), KMSP (FOX 9), KARE (Channel 11) KEYC (Channel 12).


Infinite Campus Parent Portal Instant Alert System

Instant alerts via phone and text messages can also be set up through the Sibley East Infinite Campus Parent Portal. District office staff can direct you how to make changes in this notification system.

If you are not set-up for Instant Alerts

For anyone not on our Infinite Campus alert system, you may call the following numbers to find school closing and weather related information: Sibley East Elementary : (507) 237-5511 or Sibley East Middle / high School (507) 964-8280.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Emergency Closure?

In the event Sibley East Schools need to be closed due to an emergency (weather related or other emergencies) the following procedures will be followed:

• All school activities, practices, and Community Education events are canceled if school is canceled for the day or closed early.  In the event of a late start, all activities scheduled prior to the delayed start time are canceled.

What if school is closed or delayed before the school day begins?

1. A Infinite Campus message will be sent to the number you have programmed.

2. Radio/TV stations will be notified by 6:00 a.m. It is possible weather will dictate a variation.

3. If there is a late start -- ECFE and morning preschool classes are canceled.
 

What if school is closed after the school day begins?

1. District Administration will make a decision and notify radio/TV stations.

2. An announcement will be made to building principals that school will be closing and what time buses will leave. They will notify people in their building.

3. Both staff and students should have an alternate place to stay if weather does not permit them to go home.

4. Please limit phone use during these times.

5. The Building Principals will release staff after students are gone.
 

If you have questions, concerns, or comments regarding Sibley East Schools please feel free to contact the district office 507-964-8227 or email joseph.libby@sibleyeast.org

Dr. Joe Libby, Superintendent

Sibley East Public Schools