Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s):
As I look ahead to the winter months, I want to provide families with an overview of the school cancellation process due to inclement weather. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is not allowing districts to shift to remote learning rather than canceling school. However, if DESE changes its position, the District will revisit remote learning as an option. In the meantime, if school is canceled, the day will be considered a traditional “snow day,” and canceled days will be added to the end of the school year.
Determining to cancel or delay school is a difficult decision given the unpredictability of New England weather. It changes rapidly, often within hours of a forecasted weather report. While the goal is to remain in session, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority. Every effort is made to make the call with as much notice as possible; however, there should be no expectation that any delay or cancellation will be announced before the day of school.
Like weather forecasting, the school-closing decision process is not a perfect science. However, it is important for families to understand how the process works.
Who makes the decision about whether or not to close school?
In consultation with the Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Northborough’s Department of Public Works, Southborough’s Department of Public Works, and Northborough and Southborough police officials, the Superintendent of Schools makes the final decision by 5:30 AM or earlier. On rare occasions, a final decision may be made later than 5:30 AM.
What information is gathered to aid in the decision?
There are multiple factors used in deciding whether to cancel school: information on road conditions; snow accumulation predictions; building conditions such as electricity and heat; parking lot conditions; air temperature and wind chill; estimated times from the Departments of Public Works as to when roads, walkways, and parking lots will be cleared of snow and ice.
How is the information acquired?
District staff monitor state and local weather forecasts. The Departments of Public Works and Northborough and Southborough police officials provide updates on neighborhood road conditions.
What are parents’ responsibilities?
The safety of your child is paramount. On days when weather conditions are questionable, but the school remains open, parents are free to exercise discretion and keep children home from school. Parents of young drivers are asked to reinforce winter weather driving skills: allowing extra travel time, reducing speed, and not worrying about being late.
How are days made up?
As per state regulations, students must attend school for a minimum of 180 days, and the school year must end by June 30. If school is closed due to weather, the day will be made up at the end of the school year.
How do power outages affect the decision?
Inclement weather can affect the timeline for utility companies to restore electricity. If all school buildings have electricity, the goal will be to open schools. Other factors also influence the decision, including whether a number of neighborhoods are without power.
What is a delayed opening?
Rather than closing school for a whole day due to short-term weather situations, there may be days when the beginning of school will be delayed one hour, ninety minutes, or two hours. The school day will simply start later by the length of the delay. Bus pickup, therefore, will also occur later. For example, if your child is normally picked up at 8:00 AM, during a two-hour delayed opening he/she will be picked up at 10:00 AM. Lunch will still be available and dismissal will be at the regularly scheduled times.
How is the public notified?
District website (http://www.nsboro.k12.ma.us/)
Twitter (@NSBOROSchools)
One Call Now school email
One Call Now school email phone call (“robocall”)
Local Television: WBZ-Ch. 4, WCVB-Ch. 5, WHDH-Ch. 7, WFXT-Ch. 25, and NECN/NBC10 Boston.
Waiting for television broadcasts is often the least effective means of learning about school closings. It is recommended that you first rely on the resources above. Each station also posts school closings on its website.
Respectfully,
Gregory L. Martineau
Superintendent of Schools
