As colder weather approaches, Excelsior Springs School District (ESSD) officials are reminding families how decisions will be made when snow, ice or extreme temperatures affect the school day.District leaders emphasized safety will remain the top priority while they work to maintain consistent learning for students. Because ESSD covers a mix of paved city streets, winding neighborhood roads and rural gravel routes, staff review multiple conditions across the community before making a call on school, transportation and activities.The district has three main options during winter weather: Alternative Methods of Instruction (AMI) days, traditional snow days and two hour late starts.AMI days are virtual learning days that count as regular attendance under state guidelines. The state allows ESSD to use up to six AMI days each year. On those days, staff and students are expected to participate in virtual learning and students should log in to their assigned online pla...