Sioux Falls Public Schools' Closings and Cancellations Policy

South Dakota is no stranger to strong winter storms. When those days of cold and snow move through the Sioux Falls area they can shut the town down. Sioux Falls is a pro at digging out of the snow, but it may take a day or two.

When that happens the schools in Sioux Falls may be closed for the day to help keep people off the streets and kids safe in their warm homes.

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MORE: Here is the Sioux Falls School District Calendar 2023-2024

When the Sioux Falls School District may need to call off school because of weather, that decision is made by the district's superintendent. The district says that they try to make a cancellation decision by 5:00 AM.

When a severe storm hits the area or is forecast, we start contacting local officials as early as 3:00 a.m. We communicate with our Operational Services Department, the Weather Bureau, the City Street Department, Sioux Falls Transit, and our transportation contractors. It is our goal to decide whether or not to cancel school by 5 a.m. to allow time for parking lots and sidewalks to be cleared, food services to prepare meals, and the bus company to begin operations - Sioux Falls School District

How Will I Know if Sioux Falls Schools Are Closed?

If school is canceled for Sioux Falls public schools because of the weather, the district says it will contact parents with a phone call and recorded message, usually by 6:30 AM.

The Sioux Falls school district adds that the announcement will be made on local media; the district’s website, Facebook, and Twitter; and the SFSD app.

If the weather forces the Sioux Falls public schools to close early or start late the announcement will be made on the same channels.

If school is closed for a day, the district will make up the missed day at the end of the school year.

Sioux Falls Public School Closings and Cancellations Policy (HERE).

The Coldest Temperatures in Sioux Falls History

When a polar vortex rolls through Sioux Falls, it can get even the heartiest dreaming of indoor fires, baking, and hot chocolate.

Mr. Bendo is tough enough but for the love of Pete, someone put a scarf on the Statue of David!

All this icy chatter had us wondering about the coldest days ever recorded in Sioux Falls. Here is the historical data from the National Weather Service with the coldest temps ever recorded in Sioux Falls since record-keeping began in 1893.

Gallery Credit: Danny V

Do You Remember These 10 Crazy Snowstorms In South Dakota?

Here's some news that some South Dakotans prefer not to hear this time of year. Winter is coming. In denial? The dropping temperatures and early snowstorms out west by Deadwood speak for themselves.

Slowly but surely, people of the Sioux Empire are bracing for colder weather and snow-covered roads. Even though snow will soon be gracing the Sioux Empire with its presence, some snow showers will not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlights these ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the roads during the winter. These South Dakotan winters can be harsh, which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: Christine Manika