WEATHER ALERT: School closed, classes to move to e-learning, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, due to extreme cold

Dear Robbinsdale Area Schools families, staff and community partners,

Robbinsdale Area Schools will move to e-learning tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, due to extreme cold and dangerous wind chills in the morning. We’ve made this decision after carefully monitoring the weather situation and consulting with the National Weather Service (NWS).

Students in Early Learning through grade 12 will remain at home and use their school-issued devices for learning. Devices were sent home with students on Friday in preparation for possible cold weather. Your child’s teacher(s) will be in contact soon with additional details. If your student does not have a school-issued device at home, they may access learning and communication through other digital devices.

We don’t make decisions like this lightly, and do so for the safety of our students because the windchill is forecast to be between -30 and -35 below zero. According to the NWS, when it’s that cold outside, even when wearing winter clothing, exposed skin can experience frostbite in 10 minutes or less. Many students are outside for more than 10 minutes as they wait at bus stops or walk to school.

Other cancellations or shifts to e-learning as a result of the cold:

• Adventure Club will be open at Neill Elementary and FAIR Pilgrim Lane for any families currently enrolled in Adventure Club. Other sites will be closed. Additional details will be sent to enrolled families.
• Early Adventures will be open at FAIR Pilgrim Lane for any families currently enrolled in Early Adventures. Other sites will be closed. Additional details will be sent to enrolled families.
• All preschool programming, Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and Early Intervention services will be done virtually.
• The Basement before and after school program will be open at FAIR Crystal. Other sites will be closed. Additional details will be sent to enrolled families. 
• Adult Academic Program classes will be done virtually.
• Athletic/Fine Arts events will typically be canceled; however, some specialized tournaments, performances or high school league events may continue. Coaches and/or Activities Directors will contact students and families with more information.

The following will continue as scheduled:

• The School Board business meeting, work session and Listening Time.
• Community Education classes will not be canceled unless otherwise announced.
• Facility rentals for meetings and events hosted by outside organizations may continue. Please contact the organization for more information.

We understand the challenges these closures can create for families, and we appreciate your understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and community.

District staff can work remotely, except for Nutrition Services kitchen managers, Facilities and Operations staff, office staff, cabinet and principals. Principals will be in contact with their building staff with specific information unique to each site.

Some district office staff may be required to report to work based on the needs of the district. Directors will be in contact with their direct reports if they are required to come into the ESC.

Unless notified otherwise, students will be expected to attend school in person Wednesday, Feb. 19, as planned. Stay tuned to rdale.org for the latest information. Thank you for your ongoing support of Robbinsdale Area Schools and for keeping our students at the heart of everything we do.

Be well,

Dr. Teri Staloch
Superintendent
Robbinsdale Area Schools