Whenever possible, the DeForest Area School District will announce school closings or later morning starting time by 6:00 am.
Information will be made available as follows:
- Email & text messages (sent from ParentSquare to DASD families using contact information in Skyward Family Access)
- Local TV stations
- DASD Website ("alert" message will appear)
- Social Media Platforms (Facebook: "DeForest Area School District," Instagram: "deforestschools")
- School Closings/Delay Hotline, 608-842-6668
The safety of children is the top priority when deciding to delay, close, or dismiss school due to weather. The decision process begins as early as 4:00 am and involves the DASD Superintendent, Kobussen managers, weather services, road crews, and professional drivers who assess road conditions and safety. If plows clear bus routes and conditions are stable, buses can operate safely. The final decision, when possible, is made by 6:00 am.
Parents/guardians always have the right to keep their child home if they feel it is unsafe. Ultimately, the decision focuses on whether students can be transported to and from school safely, with input from dedicated professionals.
After School Activities
When DeForest area schools are closed for the day, it also means that all activities scheduled in school buildings for that day are canceled. This includes all DASD programs and all after school programs. Under certain circumstances, if weather conditions (and roads) improve enough during the day, a decision may be made by the Athletic Director and Superintendent to allow limited after-school activities.
Delayed Start
If schools start later than normal as per delay announcements, District transportation services will be delayed a corresponding amount of time. AM early childhood and both AM and PM 4K classes will not meet when there is an announced school delay.
Extreme Cold
There are several factors that are considered when looking at closing or delaying school during extremely cold weather. Some of these factors include information from the National Weather Service, the time of day, and information from the bus company.
Outdoor Recess
If the actual temperature or the "feels like" temperature is 0 degrees or lower outside, the students will stay inside for recess. Otherwise they go outside to play. Please send your children with appropriate winter gear so they can stay warm outside.
