Winter Weather

Dressing for the cold

Anchorage is a northern climate city, and much of the school year falls during winter. Whether walking, driving or riding the bus to and from school, all students need to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Hypothermia and frostbite can occur in minutes. Even students that drive to school should be prepared for the cold in case of breakdowns or accidents. Although popular fashion trends may not include winter hats, gloves, heavy coats and boots, parents should insist on their child wearing such items when the temperature or wind chill factor is low.

Elementary recess

Elementary school students will go outside for daily recess unless the temperature or wind chill factor reaches minus 10° F (minus 24° C). Recess provides an important break for students, and is a chance to recharge energy for the remainder of the day. Just the process of suiting up and getting outside provides a needed change. A doctor's written excuse will allow a child to remain indoors during cold or inclement weather, but any child well enough to come to school is generally well enough to go outside.

Emergency Closure Procedures

For the complete procedure, visit our Emergency Closures Web site

On rare occasions, severe weather conditions or other emergencies can cause a change in school schedules or cancellation of schools.

Whenever the school schedule is changed due to weather conditions or other emergencies, the information will be distributed immediately to local radio and television stations, and will be posted on the district's Web site and on cable Channel 14. In addition, you can sign up to receive e-mail notification of emergency announcements, as well as general news releases and school board information. To subscribe, visit ASD Direct.

During severe weather, the district's transportation director collects road condition data from the Alaska State Troopers, Anchorage Police Department, State of Alaska Road Maintenance Department, Municipality of Anchorage Road Maintenance Department, ASD safety officers who have driven area roads and ASD Maintenance Department personnel.

The transportation director, the assistant superintendent for support services, and the superintendent then analyze the data, and the superintendent will make one of the following decisions:

1. No schools closed: Normal operation
2. Delay the opening of schools
3. Schools only closed
4. All district facilities closed

Please note: Alaska state regulations allow school district to have a total of no more than 10 in-service days and emergency closure days during the school year. Any school closures over those 10 days must be made up. During the 2002-2003 school year, there are eight scheduled in-service days, leaving two days available for emergency closures.