Schools are closed primarily because of unsafe conditions created by extreme weather conditions. The superintendent makes the decision based on observations from the transportation director and contact with the National Weather Service.
As soon as the decision to close schools, start late or dismiss early is made by the superintendent, an alert will be posted on the school district's website and automated telephone calls, emails or text messages may be sent. The announcement also will be sent to local radio and television stations. If no announcement concerning Moorhead Schools is made, assume that school is open and the regular class schedule is being followed.
Early dismissal will seldom occur because children arriving home early pose special supervision problems for many families. Also it is difficult to get a sufficient number of bus drivers.
Remember to monitor the district's website, check for messages from the district, or keep a radio or television handy during inclement weather. Please be patient and do not call the individual schools or the radio and television stations. These lines need to be kept open for outgoing calls in emergency situations.
If schools are closed all extracurricular activities, practices and non-school events are also canceled. Community Education, Early Intervention Services and Early Childhood Family Education classes will not meet.
It is a good idea to plan ahead. Parents should stress with their children what should be done and where to go if no one is home at the time of an emergency school closing. Parents should also inform the school of any unusual circumstances that might cause difficulties in case of a school closing.