School Closing Due to Extreme Weather

The decision to dismiss early, delay or close the schools is based on a careful analysis of all the relevant factors, including: road conditions throughout the district, the amount of snow and ice, the weather forecast, temperatures, wind chill factors and what the surrounding townships are planning for plowing schedules given the timing of the storm. The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for the final decision based on the above factors and input from the transportation contractor and collaboration with surrounding school Superintendents.

We can never be sure how the weather will affect all 117 square miles of the school district. If you do not feel that it is safe for your child to attend school or your teenager to drive to school, use your best judgment. Weather-related absences are excused absences. Your support is appreciated.

The decision is typically made by 6:00 a.m. in order to notify the media and the bus drivers.

The school district website is the best source of information on school closings and delayed openings. Families will receive a phone call from the notification system (920) 748-4606.  Save this number as "Ripon Notifications" in your cell phone to avoid missing or delaying important information. Be sure your current contact telephone numbers are up to date in your parent portal. On television, tune in to WBAY (ABC – Channel 2), WFRV (CBS – Channel 5), WGBA (NBC – Channel 26), or WLUK (FOX – Channel 11). On the radio dial, tune in to WRPN (1600 AM). The WRPN-AM website is also updated for any school delays or closings.

In the event of a delayed opening, all bus routes are delayed by 2 hours.  If the roads are not cleared, or the storm does not proceed as predicted, another decision to close schools for the entire day may be made by 8:00 a.m., so it is important for students and parents to continue to monitor the situation whenever a 2-hour delay is announced. 

Every effort is made to keep students in school for their full day once they arrive. If conditions are severe and warrant an early closing, the information will be on the district website and posted on TV stations. In addition, families will receive a phone call from the notification system (920) 748-4606.  Parents should discuss a plan with their child regarding what the child should do in the event s/he should arrive at home first (ex. having the child report directly to the home of a trusted neighbor).