WHEN SNOW FLIES

A note from the Superintendent of Schools

Because we live in New England where snow can really pack a punch, I wanted to take this opportunity to talk with you about our decisions to close or open schools in bad weather. We’re aware those decisions have a big impact on you. As always, our top priority is the safety of our students and their families.

How do we make our decision?

The decision to close or delay the opening of our schools in bad weather is one we make after carefully considering a number of factors:

• Information on road conditions – I contact our DPW, which has several drivers on the roads beginning at 3:30 a.m. to assess road conditions.
• How much snow and ice has accumulated?
• Will the precipitation continue? – I contact the town’s Emergency Management Director who receives the most accurate and updated information.
• What are the conditions of the buildings? – I contact the town’s Building Maintenance Director to determine whether all schools have electricity and heat.
• What are the conditions of the school parking lots and sidewalks? – The DPW relays the most up-to-the-minute conditions to me.
• What is the temperature and wind chill factor? – I take into consideration students walking to school or waiting at bus stops.

When is the decision made and how are people notified?

As Superintendent of Schools, I am responsible for the final decision. After conferring with the town’s DPW, Building Maintenance department, and fellow superintendents, I try to make that decision by 5:30 a.m., so students, parents, and staff can be notified via local television and radio stations.

What does a delay mean?

Sometimes a weather forecast may call for a wintry mix changing over to rain or ending altogether, and it may appear that the roads will be safe to travel an hour or two after the regularly scheduled start of school. In this case, we will call for a 2-hour delay. Simply add 2 hours to the time that your child would normally get the bus or leave for school if they walk. If school is delayed, morning Early Childhood classes will be canceled. However, afternoon Early Childhood classes will take place.

Will we close schools if conditions worsen?

Weather conditions can change quickly. Occasionally, a storm hits in the middle of our school day or hits harder than expected once our students are already in school, and we are taken off guard. In this case, we may need to have an early dismissal to get students home before the roads get worse. This has not happened very often in the past, but can cause anxiety for families without a plan for this possibility. We try to avoid an early dismissal if possible, as it can mean sending children home to an empty house. Students whose parents work or are not usually home during the day should have an alternate home in the neighborhood to go to until their parents return.