With the recent bout of cold weather, many parents are wondering if and when schools may close.

Greg Luterbach, Rocky View Schools, Superintendent says in each jurisdiction there is a committee that makes the call.

"They are going to be the group that has a conversation around 5 in the morning and really we look at a couple main factors. One is around snow conditions and impassable roads, the other one is when wind chill reaches at/or below -40C, in that situation we may choose to close schools for the day or we may not."

Luterbach adds -40 does not mean automatic closure.

"That is the temperature threshold that the board has set to initiate that conversation."

RVS has not experienced any school closures this year nor many in the past few years due to milder, warmer winters.

When it comes to temperature, the decision is based on area by area consideration which is why one area may close and another may not.

Luterbach does add that as a parent, they fully support a family's decision to keep their child home if they choose.

"Ultimately, parents if they feel, that even if we are open, that it's safe for their kids or they don't want their kids going out, that's a parent decision and we always honour their decision."

RVS uses a variety of ways to get closure information to parents including social media-Facebook and Twitter feeds, the RVS website, television, and radio.

The decision is made early in the morning, shares Luterbach, so that buses can be alerted they are not needed. If school is not closed first thing, it will not close later in the day unless there is a mechanical reason.

"If it gets to suddenly -40 with the windchill at 9 in the morning, we don't suddenly shut down the school. Once we have the students picked up and the school day is going, then the school day is going to finish, because we understand patents don't have an option at that point."

Even if the school is closed, someone is always there, to ensure safety of children who may not have received the message.

With temperatures as cold as they are, be in tune to the various communication gateways and dress your child appropriately in the meantime, says Luterbach.

"Making sure kids have those snow pants,  and a warm jacket, toques, mitts, gloves and scarf to keep their face protected as well because everyone wants their kid to be safe, and we do too."