Although the official start of Winter is still over a month away, the start of the winter weather season is well underway. Winter weather comes snow, ice, and other hazardous conditions. Colorado weather is unpredictable so we always need to be prepared for winter driving conditions and possible impact to school days.
In case of weather, we have established procedures to determine continuation, delays, closures, etc.. Numerous factors go into each decision and are made with the utmost consideration to the safety of students and staff.
Q: What types of inclement weather decisions are there?
A: Depending on weather severity, the timing of a storm, and how many snow days have been used during the school year one of four decisions will be made:
Full closure—all Cotopaxi schools and offices will be closed and there is no expectation of
remote working/learning
Remote Learning Day (see “What are the expectations of remote learning days?”)
Two-hour delay—School will start in-person exactly two hours later than normally scheduled.
Buses will pick up exactly two hours later than normal. Breakfast will not be served. Secondary
students will operate on an abbreviated schedule.
Early Release—If weather and road conditions during the school day turn significantly and/or
the timing and impact of a storm will interfere with the safe transportation of students at regular
release time, an early release will be called. Parents are notified as soon as possible after a
decision is made so arrangements can be made to ensure students get home safely. Staff will
remain until all students are picked up, however we ask parents to please pick up students as
soon as they are able if notified of early release.
Q: What are the expectations of remote learning days?
A: During remote learning days, secondary students and staff are expected to login on their device and work/learn remotely according to the remote day schedule.. Students will have access to a live teacher for "office hours" during times specified in the remote learning day schedule for one on one student assistance.
When possible, elementary students will be sent home the day prior to anticipated inclement weather with paper packets to complete for remote learning days.
Q: What should I do if the power or internet is out at my home on remote learning days?
A: If your child is unable to access power or internet service or is otherwise unable to attend during remote days, please submit an absence by calling 719-942-4131 ext. 114 and leaving a message, or sending an email to ndavis@cotopaxire3.org to ensure this absence is excused.
Q: How are the inclement weather decisions made?
A: Inclement weather is a fact of life in Colorado. But to ensure the safety of students and staff, we utilize input from staff and community volunteers living in our neighborhoods to report on weather and road conditions, especially noting poor visibility, poor traction and other hazardous road conditions, wind chill factors, and snow accumulation. The Cotopaxi School District is large with varied terrain and microclimates, and the weather in one part of the district can be completely different than in another part of the district during a storm.
Employee and community reports are used in addition to the reports from various local, state and federal weather stations, CDOT and the Fremont County transportation supervisor to determine road conditions or status on clearing our roads and highways.
After all the data is examined, a decision is made by the Superintendent for either a delayed start, a remote learning day, a full school closure, or school as usual.
Q: When are decisions made to delay/close/dismiss school?
A: We make every effort to decide and announce decisions to close or delay the start of schools before 6 a.m. at the latest so families can adjust as necessary. The planning and review process usually begins the afternoon and evening before an anticipated storm. For early school dismissals during the school day, the decision will be made as soon as possible, and families will be notified in a timely manner so adjustments can be made.
Q: May I choose to keep my child home if the decision is made to hold in-person learning?
A: For any weather related decisions, you as a parent/guardian make the final decision concerning the safety of your child. If you believe weather conditions are unsafe when the District keeps schools open, you may keep your child at home. Remember to follow the proper absence reporting procedures by calling the front office to report the absence, and your child's absence will be excused.
Q: How will inclement weather announcements be made?
A: The District uses the All Call system to sends emails, texts, and phone calls to the primary contact information on file regarding inclement weather days. If you have not received any messages please verify with the office that your contact information is correct.
Inclement weather decisions will also be posted on the Cotopaxi School Website in the ‘News’ and ‘Live Feed’ sections, the District Facebook page, and to local news and radio outlets.
Q: How will the school make up for missed days due to inclement weather?
A: The District calendar is built to accommodate a certain number of snow days each school year. If this number is exceeded a makeup day will be scheduled within two weeks on a subsequent Friday.
Q: What do parents need to do?
Make sure all emergency contact information is up to date, such as address, phone numbers, and names of emergency contacts/authorized pickup
Have a backup plan for childcare and school transportation in case of schedule change
In cold weather students should be dressed appropriately. Coats and boots can be
stored on classroom racks, student lockers or other designated areas.
Driving in bad weather can be challenging, especially for teenagers and inexperienced
drivers. If you feel the road conditions are unsafe for your child to drive, you are
encouraged to keep them home or arrange alternative transportation.
Although we try our absolute best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision
exists. If you do not feel as though it is safe for your child to attend school, use your best
judgment on whether he or she should attend.