As children and adolescents growing up in Wisconsin, we can all recall the excitement associated with the anticipation of a potential school cancellation due to the weather. I must say that as a school superintendent, I now approach snow days with much less enthusiasm and excitement. Instead, I view this process as a very serious responsibility of my position. As I write this article on Monday, December 22, four of the past seven school days have had the potential to be cancelled or delayed due to snow or cold!
   There are many factors that go into the decision to cancel or delay school. The safety of the students is first and foremost, but it has to be balanced with living in Wisconsin during the winter months. Winter driving skills are also a safety concern, as well as dressing for the cold. Some more specific considerations include:

• The forecast – all sources, including online media, are utilized.
• Telephone conversations with other superintendents and transportation specialists who drive the roads during the early morning hours.
• The texture and amount of snow.
• When the snowfall starts and ends.
• The blowing and drifting potential associated with the snowfall.
• Whether wind chill is -30 degrees or below.

   Two factors that are not part of the decision are the school activities scheduled for that day and the number of snow days remaining.
   Since we share the same weather pattern and busing terrain, we do have a close relationship with the Eau Claire School District when it comes to the snow day decision. However, there may be days when they are open or closed, and we choose to have only a two-hour delay.
   Remember, a parent or guardian can make the final decision regarding attendance on a bad-weather day. An inclement weather-day absence is excused, but missed work must be made up and the absence will be counted toward the 10 each student is allowed every year.
   Thank you for slowing down, encouraging your adolescent drivers to slow down, and for dressing the young children appropriately for a Wisconsin winter. If you have any questions on this topic, please call me at (715) 839-6180.

   A common buzzword we hear about today is mentoring. We see famous movie and television stars on TV, sitting with children  and imploring us, as viewers, to mentor our own.

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   On Thursday, November 20, after a public hearing, the Altoona City Council approved the 2009 operating and capital budgets for the city of Altoona. This action was the final step in a process that began in August and involved five public meetings.
   The budget process raised many concerns that need to be addressed to ensure the city can continue to provide quality services and facilities to its citizens.

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   Open enrollment, which has been in existence since the 1998 to 1999 school year, is a state-regulated program. Now in its 12th year, the program will accept applications for the 2009 to 2010 school year in February 2009.

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   School safety has been our number-one priority in the years since Columbine and it will continue to be. The challenge of protecting our students and staff in our free and open society is always under discussion and review. We believe in taking a balanced approach to school safety: realizing that many strategies, rather than one or two extreme measures, will be most effective in keeping our schools safe.
   It is important to remember that parents and students play a key role in keeping our schools safe. One way to do that is to simply communicate with the school. If something doesn’t sound quite right, let the administration know so that it can be investigated.
   Parental communication with sons and daughters is another very important component. Please help us by emphasizing that weapons – including facsimiles – have no place at school. In addition help us to encourage our students to solve problems through mediation.
   The following are a few focused actions we have taken to address school safety in recent years:
Our Crisis Plan is reviewed and practiced.
Multiple supervisors are trained to act on suspicious or questionable activity whether it is before school, during school, after school, or at lunch or recess.
Staff members make it a priority to be in the halls when students are moving through the halls.
Doors other than the front ones are locked once school starts.
Background checks are completed on staff and volunteers.
Visitor passes and sign-ins are required at offices.
Police are called immediately when an adult or student becomes threatening.
We emphasize and focus on the “human factor” as we strive to ensure that all students feel welcomed and connected with adults at school. We believe that students that feel connected are more likely to resolve a disagreement peacefully. In addition when lines of communication are open, students will be more comfortable sharing information with school officials.
We have maintained four guidance counselors as a way to keep connected with students.
We encourage parents to communicate with the school regarding any information about a potential threat - even if it could be perceived as a joke.
Our administrators are visible and active during lunch, recess, and any other playground time.
   We live in a society in which any threat to school safety is severely punished. No one can threaten to harm someone at school – just like we can’t yell “fire” in a movie theater or “hijack” at the airport without a quick and severe response.
    Your continued support and communication is needed, and greatly appreciated.

  Fellow parents, there is a message we need to hear and act upon, or we may be in jeopardy of losing our children.

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   In my role as Altoona School District Superintendent, I always look forward to a new school year. This year when I addressed the entire staff, I challenged them and myself to hold on to the optimism and positive attitudes that September brings – for the whole year. Now as we roll into October, I extend that same challenge to parents and students.

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