Weather-Related School Closures
As temperatures begin to cool, we all know what will soon be on the way—snow. As such, we have detailed the District's process for school closures due to inclement weather. First and foremost, the safety of students and staff is always the top priority when making a decision regarding school closures. With safety as a guiding principle, the decision to close school will be made based on numerous factors outlined below:
- Road condition reports from transportation staff, town/highway personnel, meteorological experts, and law enforcement agencies
- Amount of snow and ice accumulation
- Whether or not precipitation is continuing
- Building and parking lot conditions
- Temperature and wind chill
- Forecast predictions
Early dismissal may be necessary if weather conditions warrant it, with a goal of ensuring students are home safely before conditions worsen. The ultimate decision to close school rests with the superintendent. The district will make every attempt to make weather-related decisions in a timely manner.
Once an announcement has been made to close school, the decision will be final. Announcements regarding school closures will be sent out via our messaging system, ParentSquare. Learn the specific guidelines regarding ParentSquare notifications and how to update contact information.
In addition to ParentSquare, a closure notice will be posted on district social media (Facebook, Twitter) and the district website. Local news outlets will also be notified of the decision. News outlets to monitor for closure-related information include 13WHAM TV, FOX Rochester, Spectrum News, WROC TV 8, News 10 NBC/WHEC-TV, WHAM 1180, Mix 100.5, Kiss 106.7, Sunny 102.3, Radio 95.1, Fox Sports 1280, 107.3 The Bull, 92.5 WBEE, 98.9 “The Buzz,” 96.5 WCMF, 98WPXY, and 95.7 ESPN/950AM Rochester.
Parents and guardians are advised not to call the district regarding weather-related closures unless it is an emergency.
During the cold days of winter, it is important to remember to bundle up for walks to the bus stop or school. Warm clothing includes jackets, gloves, scarves, and boots. If your family needs assistance in obtaining warm, suitable clothing, please contact the Health Office at your child’s school.
The district does not take the decision to close school lightly and carefully examines each case on an individual basis. No perfect decision exists; if parents or guardians feel conditions are unsafe, it is advised to use their best judgment in deciding whether their student should attend school.