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, students wish for the coveted "snow day," while at the same time parents are hoping that school will be open as usual! Despite the impact of these opposing forces, 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.

The process of making the decision to close or delay school begins well in advance of the announcement on the radio and television. Typically, the district superintendent reviews weather forecasts the day before the storm and during the early morning hours. The superintendent makes a decision by 5:30 a.m. 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 superintendent will cancel or delay the opening of schools. Radio and television stations, school bus operators, the school district website, CTWeather.com, and staff will be notified immediately.

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.

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. In the event that a delayed opening is called for a regular 2nd Wednesday early release day, students will remain in school until the normal afternoon dismissal time.

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.

Weather related early dismissals for Litchfield High School will occur at approximately 12:00 noon. Litchfield Intermediate School and Center School will be dismissed at approximately 1:00 p.m. unless emergency conditions require an earlier dismissal. Special announcements will be made in that event.

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.

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.

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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