School Closure Decision-Making Process During Inclement Weather
I hope this letter finds you well. As the winter season approaches, I wanted to share some information about how decisions are made regarding school closures due to inclement weather, particularly snow. Our top priorities are the safety and well-being of our students and staff, and we take the decision to cancel school very seriously. Please be assured that we consider various factors before making this important decision.
Weather Forecast: Our district closely monitors weather forecasts from multiple reliable sources. We pay attention to predicted snowfall amounts, wind chill, and other meteorological factors that may impact travel conditions.
Road Conditions: We collaborate with city and transportation officials and road maintenance crews to assess the condition of roads and sidewalks to ensure safe travel for buses, parents, and students. The safety of transportation is a critical aspect of our decision.
Building Safety: We evaluate the condition of our school buildings, considering factors such as snow accumulation on roofs, parking lot safety, and the ability to heat the facilities adequately.
Communication with Surrounding Districts: We coordinate with neighboring school districts to share information and align our decisions when possible, especially if families have students attending multiple schools.
Lead Time: We strive to make closure decisions with sufficient lead time to allow families to make necessary arrangements. However, weather conditions can change rapidly, and decisions may need to be made early in the morning. In this case, we will make every effort to do so by 5:30 AM. If we can make a decision the evening before a potential snow event, we will try to notify you by 8:30 PM.
Occasionally, it may become necessary to close school early due to a snow emergency or delay school opening for two hours. A two-hour delayed opening would mean that school would start two hours later [students should be at their bus stops two hours later], and school would end at the regular time.
If we decide to cancel school, have an early release, or have a delay due to snow or other severe weather conditions, we will communicate this information through various channels, including:
- Automated Phone Calls/Text Messages/Email
- District Website and Social Media
- Local News Outlets: FOX 25, WBZ 1030 AM, WRKO 680 AM, and TV channels 4, 5, 7, and 99
- Please do not call the police department; they will refer you to the radio or TV
Additionally, we encourage you to ensure that your contact information is up-to-date in our system to receive timely notifications.
We understand that school closures can be inconvenient for families, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in prioritizing the safety of our students and staff.
Stay warm and safe!