The decision to close school is significant. When weather-related delays or closures are possible, we rely on a team of four to five individuals who closely monitor local meteorologists' forecasts and current reports and also go out into the weather to evaluate road and weather conditions, considering how all of our students travel to and from our buildings.

La Porte County spans 180 square miles, so temperatures, wind chills, snow accumulation, and thermometer readings vary significantly within our school district. Above all, student and staff safety is our top priority when we discuss closing or delaying school.

Check the National Weather Service forecast for La Porte for current conditions.

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Our Beliefs

Numerous variables influence weather-related decisions. These decisions concern the safety of students on their way to and from school, whether walking, riding a bus, or driving a private vehicle.

• Parents have a child-specific perspective on the threat of inclement weather, and a parent may decide for their own child. LPCSC respects that decision.
• If school is open or delayed because of inclement weather, we will respect a parent’s decision to keep their child at home. Parents are expected to contact the school and let school officials know. Per state code, the student will be counted as absent, and students will be allowed to complete their academic work in the same manner as for an excused absence.
• LPCSC believes the public expects schools to be open and to provide students with education, supervision, and other services (including meals) when it is safe.
• LPCSC believes all parents are committed to keeping children safe and will dress their children appropriately for the weather when sending them to school.
• Variable weather conditions are expected in Northern Indiana. LPCSC believes parents should have plans for weather-related delays and closures, and that morning notification of weather-related closures or delays is generally appropriate.

Determining Factors

When adverse weather is threatened, LPCSC uses multiple resources to help make the best decisions for our students and staff. These are the factors we use to decide what action to take.

Fog

Fog can be tricky, and timing is critical, as in all weather situations. Fog can quickly move in and blanket the area, significantly reducing visibility. We always prioritize student safety, and any decision regarding a fog delay will be made before 5:15 a.m.

Freezing Rain and Sleet

Freezing rain and sleet are the most unpredictable weather variables. They are temperature-sensitive and can begin and end with little notice. When freezing rain or sleet is predicted, the school decision is delayed until the latest possible time so we can observe the most current local conditions. This decision will generally be made in the morning.

Snowfall

Snowfall is more predictable than freezing rain or sleet. Meteorologists generally allow a 2-inch variance when predicting snow accumulation. Because actual snowfall can differ from the forecast, the decision on school status is delayed until accumulation shows a need for action. Except in extreme situations, this decision will generally be made in the morning. District officials drive the roads around 4:00 a.m. to determine the safety and drivability of school bus routes.

Extreme Snowfall

When snow has accumulated significantly or more is predicted, the school decision may be made the previous evening. In a less likely scenario, local authorities may indicate that roads are unlikely to be passable by the following morning. Travel warnings and advisories are always considered when deciding to close or delay.

Extreme Cold

LPCSC uses the hourly temperature predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for our zip code.

• If NOAA predicts an air temperature of -10 degrees or below at 7:00 a.m. (the starting point for wind chill concerns with calm wind), the school will consider a two-hour delay.
• If the air temperature is predicted to remain at -10 degrees or below at 9:00 a.m., the school will consider closing.

This determination will be made as early as possible, perhaps the evening before, but before 5:15 a.m.

Extreme Wind Chill

Wind chill predictions are less accurate than temperature predictions because wind speed varies by time and location. NOAA observations and forecasts are based on conditions at the La Porte Municipal Airport, which are often different elsewhere in La Porte County. Local wind observations will affect the decision to delay or close. Wind chill concerns begin at a predicted wind chill of -19 degrees.

• If NOAA predicts a wind chill of -19 degrees or below at 7:00 a.m., and local wind conditions match the airport, the school will consider a two-hour delay.
• If the wind chill is predicted to remain at -19 degrees or below at 9:00 a.m., and local conditions match the airport, the school will consider closing.

Because wind speed varies so much, the school will likely make this decision in the morning. See the NOAA Wind Chill Chart.

Functional Facilities

Utility issues (gas, electricity, water) can also close a school. Cold-related problems, including loss of water or electricity to a building or neighborhood, may also lead to a closure.

State of Emergency and Travel Status

If County Emergency Management Officials announce a state of emergency, buildings are closed, and the only staff who report to work are the custodians assigned to each building to watch for weather-related emergency repairs. The following local travel statuses come from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security County Travel Status page.

Warning

This is the highest level of local travel advisory. Travel may be restricted to emergency management workers only. During a warning, individuals are directed to:

1. Refrain from all travel.
2. Comply with necessary emergency measures.
3. Cooperate with public officials and disaster services forces in carrying out emergency operations plans.
4. Obey and comply with the lawful directions of correctly identified officers.

Watch

Conditions threaten public safety. During a watch, only essential travel, such as to and from work or in emergencies, is recommended. Businesses, schools, government agencies, and other organizations should implement emergency action plans.

Advisory

This is the lowest level of local travel advisory. Routine travel or activities may be restricted in certain areas because of hazardous situations, and individuals should use caution or avoid those areas.

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