Dear WBSD7 Parents, Staff, and Community:
Due to the impending winter weather forecast this week, I am closely monitoring multiple weather sites, and will be reassessing this situation very early on Tuesday morning.
In the event the weather forecast holds accurate, and black ice happens prior to a snow event, I would encourage you to prepare for the potential shift to a virtual school day. The latest information as of December 12th at 5:30 p.m. indicates that there will be a significant snow event this week, along with freezing ice on the roadways. The safety of students and staff is our utmost priority, therefore, I have asked staff to prepare for an asynchronous virtual learning model this week. What this means if implemented is there will be no in-person school, and for staff (other than maintenance personnel responsible for snow removal). Teachers will utilize either Google Classroom or ParentSquare to communicate student assignments and expectations with you accordingly. I will continue to monitor this weather system as it moves through our community, and will make decisions on a day-to-day basis. Please see below for notices from the National Weather Service and North Dakota Transportation Department.
All games scheduled for tomorrow have been canceled by the visiting schools.
Once a decision has been made, administration will notify staff, and the district will notify families.
Stay safe,
Dr. Faidley
Winter Weather Advisory from the US National Weather Service
Action Recommended
Execute a pre-planned activity identified in the instructions
Issued By
Bismarck - ND, US, National Weather Service
Affected Area
Portions of north central and northwest North Dakota
Description
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM CST THURSDAY...
WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 10 inches. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.
WHERE...Portions of north central and northwest North Dakota.
WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to 6 AM CST Thursday.
IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Ice accumulations of a light glaze to a tenth of an inch are possible this evening through Tuesday morning.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If you have travel plans tonight through Thursday, consider altering or canceling your plans. If travel is absolutely necessary, be sure to carry a winter survival kit in your vehicle. The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1
North Dakota Department of Transportation Notice
NDDOT and the National Weather Service anticipate severe winter weather to create difficult travel conditions in much of North Dakota Monday night through mid-week. Freezing rain, heavy snow, and strong winds will cause impacts to travel. Motorists should be aware of rapidly changing conditions and are encouraged to reduce speeds and drive according to the conditions.