Once a decision is made to close or alter the school day, families will receive an automated phone message and email via the School Messenger notification system (phone and email). This information will also be posted on the district website.

Delays, Early Outs, and Cancelations

In the event the school day is altered due to inclement weather or another unplanned event, the district makes every attempt to inform families and staff. Here are guidelines for typical school-day alterations:

Two-hour late start: The school day will start two hours later than it normally would. Buses will pick up students an average of two hours later than they normally would in the morning.

Two-hour early out: School will dismiss two hours earlier than normal. Buses will pick students up from school and get them home safely approximately two hours earlier than normal.

Entire school day cancellation: If school is canceled for the entire day, all school buildings will be closed. The district office will be open unless the weather is extremely bad. Activity and athletic practices will operate on a case-by-case basis, as determined by athletic directors and coaches.

Preschool

Students who attend all-day preschool will begin at 10:00 am on a two-hour late-start day. On a two-hour late-start day, preschool is canceled for those students who do not attend the full day.

School Activities and Athletics

The decision to hold practices and contests will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Wind Chill and Recess

If the wind chill index is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below, recess will be held indoors. Appropriate clothing for winter weather conditions is required.

SchoolMessenger Opt-In Form

ONLY use this form if you DO NOT have Powerschool Parent Portal access.

Please follow the link for the Opt-In Form for school notifications from Decorah Community School District (DCSD).

If you are NOT receiving text messages from DCSD, please send a new text message to 67587 with the message of Yes

For Cancellation Information:

Area TV stations for school-related closings:

KCRG Channel 9 – Cedar Rapids, IA
KWWL Channel 7 – Waterloo, IA
KTTC Channel 10 – Rochester, MN

Area radio stations for school-related closings:

Decorah Stations

KDHK 100.5 FM
KVIK 104.7 FM
KNEI 103.5 FM
KMRV 99.1 FM/1160 AM
KDEC 1240 AM

Rochester Stations

KROC 106.9 FM
KYOB 105.3 FM
KDOC 103.9 FM
KDCZ 107.7 FM
KWWK 96.5 FM

Area websites:
decorahnews.com