Frequently Asked Inclement Weather Questions

How is the decision to cancel, delay or let school out early determined?

Decisions are based on a variety of conditions. These include ice, snowfall, blowing snow, wind chill and actual temperature. If the National Weather Service forecast for 6 a.m. calls for air temperatures of 25 degrees below zero or colder, or if the forecast wind chill is minus 40 or worse, classes and activities may be canceled. We are in contact with county departments and surrounding schools while evaluating driving conditions to ensure the safety of our staff and students. 

How soon will we be notified of schools closing?

We try to notify families between 5:30-6:00 am of school closings.  In the case of an early out, we will notify you as soon as the decision is made. School may be called the night prior if projections show dangerous weather. Notification will go out via text, email and phone call utilizing our Blackboard system. Local news and media will also be informed.
 
If school starts late, does childcare open at the regular time?

No, it will start later. For example, if there is a 90 minute delay, childcare will open 90 minutes later.

If school is let out early, does childcare remain open?

Childcare will stay open, but we highly encourage our parents to pick up their students as soon as possible.  We want to get our employees home safely.

If I have a 7th-12th grade student that goes to Boone or Ames and rides the bus, what happens when school closes?

If United cancels school, we will not provide transportation for our 7th-12th grade students. Ames and Boone will be notified and the absence will be excused. If we start late or close early, our buses will pick up and drop off our 7th grade students based on our schedule that particular day.

If we have a delayed start, do the morning only PS students still come?

No, they won’t attend if we have a delayed start since they leave at 11:00 each day.  
 
I’m not getting messages on my phone or email from United.   How can I get signed up for the notification system?

All you need to do is contact our office staff at (515) 432-5319 and they can get your information updated or input it into our notification system.