Inclement Weather

eLearning Days for Inclement Weather

When schools need to close due to weather, Hopkins Public Schools will shift to eLearning days for PreK-12 students. This policy ensures students can continue learning even when it is unsafe to attend school in person. eLearning days also allow the district to manage weather-related closures without extending the school year. On eLearning days, teachers will assist students virtually through Google Meet, email, and phone calls, and attendance will be taken.

How we notify families 

We are committed to keeping families informed as early as possible about weather-related changes. For eLearning days:

  • Families will be notified the day before if an eLearning day is being considered and iPads will be deployed to elementary students to take home.
  • A final decision will be communicated that evening or early the next morning, at least two hours before the start of the school day.
  • In situations where preparation for eLearning is not feasible, schools may close entirely instead of transitioning to an eLearning day.

Notifications will be sent via:

  • Email, text, and phone call through our parent notification system—Please ensure your contact information is current in Infinite Campus.
  • Hopkins Schools website and social media channels

Local TV stations (WCCO, KSTP, KMSP, and KARE)

two kids sledding down a snow hill

Late Starts and Early Release 

When a late start is announced, here’s what you can expect:

  • Buses will run on a two-hour delay (e.g., a 7:15 a.m. pick-up becomes 9:15 a.m.).
  • Kids & Co. will open at 8:30 a.m. for before-school drop-off for enrolled students.
  • 2.5-hour ECSE and Preschool classes that take place in the morning are canceled.
  • 4-hour morning preschool classes will start two hours late.
  • Preschool Morning Extended Day (Harley and Meadowbrook only) opens at 9:00 a.m. for enrolled students.
  • ECFE Classes scheduled after 11:00 a.m. will take place; earlier classes are canceled.
  • Blended VirtualEDU students will access learning online.
     

    Early Releases 

    If we must close schools early, we make every effort to keep elementary schools on their regular schedule. Early closures typically only apply to secondary schools to avoid sending younger students home before parents can make arrangements.