Over 67,000 students in Frisco Independent School District (FISD) got an unexpected break in January.

Due to the cold front bringing an onset of snow, ice, and freezing rain on the week of Jan. 30, the district closed school for four days.  

Temperatures reached below zero degrees Celsius (32 F) and the roads became dangerous to drive on due to the ice accumulation.

In order to know when to call a snow day, FISD communicates with the National Weather Service (NWS), the city of Frisco, and other area emergency management officials. 

Meetings are scheduled overnight or early morning between FISD’s Emergency Management Department and NWS. 

During these meetings, NWS hosts a weather briefing with first responder officials who report weather conditions from their locations.

“The potential for workday disruptions related to last-minute child care arrangements and closure decisions by adjacent school districts,” are some of the factors considered when closing schools, said FISD. 

FISD also considers the safety for buses to travel between neighborhoods, and the driving safety of students, parents, and staff. 

The decision is made no later than 5:30 a.m. If school is closed, FISD makes sure to post announcements on their Facebook, Twitter, and website. 

All after and before-school activities are also canceled unless otherwise stated. 

If school is canceled, FISD also includes whether or not a make-up day needs to be used. Make-up days depend on the school calendar. 

If make-up days are not necessary, the supposed make-up days will be used as holidays for students and staff. 

After the canceled school day, the A/B schedule does not change. If a make-up day was needed, that day would be the A/B classes missed on the snow day.  

To contact FISD for questions and concerns about bad-weather days, text ‘Yes’ to 67587 for more information.