Sometimes, when we have enough advanced notice that weather conditions are worsening, we begin dismissing students at the high school level 15 to 20 minutes earlier than normal (1:25 or 1:30 p.m.) By doing this, buses can reach our elementary schools closer to their normal dismissal time of 3:15 p.m. (Clark, Phelps, Robinson Park). For that reason, parents of students at the high school, junior high, middle school, and Granger School should have an alternate home for students to go before the storm season arrives.

Decisions to close early in these situations are made on short notice, so if we must call for an early dismissal, we’ll use the Connect Ed notification system and broadcast our dismissal on local television and radio stations. Connect Ed telephone messages are only as good as the updated information we have on file in your child’s school, so please notify the school if your telephone number changes.

What about teens driving?

We would ask that you discourage teenagers from driving to school on days when the weather is inclement. Bus transportation is assigned at the beginning of the school year for most students. (Those who are designated as walkers because of their close proximity to their school or who have choiced into a school are not provided bus transportation.) If your child has been assigned a bus, please be aware that he or she may ride that bus at any time, even if he or she has been driving to school most of the year. In other words, on snowy days, don’t forget about the bus or you may drive your child to school.

I hope this explanation helps you to understand the process we use to make the best possible decision for our students. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call my office at 821-0552.

Emergency School Closings

The Agawam Public Schools will close only in emergency situations when weather or highway conditions make travel to the schools hazardous or when power or heating failures occur. Parents are urged to exercise their personal judgment concerning the wisdom of sending their children to school on stormy days when schools are in session.

Television and radio stations cooperating with the schools in making school closing announcements are as follows:

• TV Channel 40 Radio WMAS
• TV Channel 22 Radio WHYN
• TV Channel  3 Radio WAQY    

Do you want to be notified by text message or email whenever your school has severe weather closings or delays?

Log on to WGGB.com and sign up today for E-Alerts!