SUPERINTENDENTS’ WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

Once again we are facing that time of year when New England weather can be very unpredictable and severe.  When the forecast predicts wintry weather, thousands of area students wish for the coveted “snow day.” At the same time, thousands of parents are hoping that school will be open as usual! Despite the impact of these opposing forces, area school district superintendents must ensure that each school meets the state mandated 180 school days and nine hundred school hours in a safe and secure manner even during adverse weather conditions. 

Many of the area superintendents communicate regularly regarding weather related scheduling issues. Due to their geographic proximity and an increased effort to share programs and resources, the Litchfield School District and Regional School District #6 (Warren, Morris, and Goshen) will work cooperatively regarding school closures, delayed openings, and early dismissals due to inclement weather.

It is expected that when one district closes, delays, or dismisses early due to weather related issues, both districts will close, delay, or call an early dismissal. On rare occasions unforeseen circumstances may require modification of this plan. 

The process of making the decision to close or delay school begins well in advance of the announcement on the radio and television.  Typically, superintendents review weather forecasts the day before the storm and throughout the night.  Between 4:45 and 5:15 a.m., telephone consultations between the superintendents, highway departments, maintenance personnel, and police departments determine the status of the weather and roads.  Superintendents generally check with their colleagues in other area districts to get information about what will be happening in the area.  The superintendents try to make a decision by 5:30 in the morning based upon the best estimates of what will happen in the next two to twelve hours.  However, changing conditions may necessitate a later decision. If weather, road, and school site conditions warrant, the superintendents will cancel or delay the opening of schools.  Radio and television stations, school bus operators, the school district websites, CTWeather.com, and staff will be notified immediately.  

Both Region #6 and Litchfield have implemented an automatic telephone notification system this year which may be used to expedite the announcement of changes in school schedule or other emergency or special announcements. Parents should be sure their contact information is updated to ensure they receive important information.

Occasionally a delayed opening may become a cancellation if weather conditions worsen rapidly during the early morning.  This announcement will usually be made by 6:30 a.m.  Parents should continue to monitor local radio and television stations throughout the day for a cancellation or early dismissal on days when the weather is questionable. 

Many factors are taken into account when assessing conditions impacting the opening, closing or delaying of school.  The primary consideration is the safety of students ranging from approximately three to twenty one years of age.  School buses, parents, students, and staff members must travel on the highways and back roads of the area to get to and from the schools. Conditions within the towns and surrounding areas may differ dramatically during inclement weather.  Consideration must also be given to the ability of the maintenance crews of the towns and the schools to clear and sand or salt the school parking lots, pathways, sidewalks, and entrances.  Due to limited personnel and equipment, these tasks are often not started until after all streets are plowed. 

In situations where it is predicted that weather and road conditions will improve during the morning, the opening of schools may be delayed by TWO HOURS. This means all bus routes and opening schedules will operate TWO HOURS later than usual.  The balance of the school day and dismissal will be on a normal schedule. 

Region #6 morning kindergarten sessions will be CANCELLED when there is a delayed opening.

Although early closings are avoided whenever possible, in rare cases it may be necessary to dismiss school early due to unexpected deterioration of weather conditions.  In these situations, an announcement will be issued by 10:30 a.m. and schools will be dismissed early.  When there is an early dismissal, the morning kindergarten (Region #6 - Warren, Morris, and Goshen) will remain at school and be provided with lunch.

To avoid the risks associated with an extra bus trip during bad weather, morning kindergarten students who normally take the school bus home mid day will be provided with school bus transportation at the time of early dismissal (1:00 p.m.).  Afternoon kindergarten sessions (Morris and Goshen) will be cancelled on days where there is a storm related or other emergency early dismissal.  In the event of an early dismissal, all students in Litchfield’s full day kindergarten will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. with the rest of the school.

Families should have an emergency back-up plan in place in the event of an early closing.  Children should be informed of this plan and parents should be sure their children understand where to go in the event of an early closing. Child care arrangements at home or on the same bus route should be made in advance of the early closing day since it will be difficult for the schools to contact every parent and monitor the whereabouts of every child. On days when the weather is problematic, parents are advised to stay tuned to the local radio and/or television channel to be aware of early closings.  Since each school has a different procedure for dealing with alternate drop-offs, parent pick-ups, etc. parents should follow the established procedure. 

To avoid uncertainty regarding weather related early dismissal times, the time for early dismissal will be consistent. Weather related early dismissals for Litchfield Middle/High School and Wamogo Regional High School will be at approximately 12:00 noon. The elementary and (Litchfield) intermediate schools will be dismissed at approximately 1:00 p.m. unless emergency conditions require an earlier dismissal in which case special announcements will be made.

For safety and efficiency purposes, we encourage parents to have their children ride the school bus on a regular basis. This is especially important on days when the weather is bad. School parking areas tend to experience heavy traffic and become grid-locked when many parents drive to pick up their children during bad weather.

Please note that when school is cancelled, unless indicated otherwise, all activities and meetings for the day are also cancelled. The school buildings will be closed.

The decision to delay, cancel, or dismiss school early is often a difficult one.  Decisions made by the school district are not intended to prevent parents from making their own decision to send a child to school or keep a child home during severe weather.  Based upon a personal assessment of weather reports, road conditions, and safety factors specific to their residence, parents may make their own decision regarding their child’s school attendance during inclement weather. 

Parents who have questions, special circumstances, or who require additional clarification should contact their school principal.

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