OMS during snowstorm

Dear SPS Families:

I hope everyone enjoyed Thanksgiving with family and friends. As the weather gets colder, I write to establish expectations regarding snow day closure and/or delayed opening. The safety of all of our students, families, and staff is the primary concern whenever decisions such as these need to be made. The closing of school is a decision I take very seriously and is made using all available weather sources, in consultation with Stoughton authorities and other area superintendents. I will always attempt to give families as much notice as possible.

On stormy days when schools are open, parents are encouraged to exercise their own judgment about sending their children to school.

In the event of inclement weather or dangerous road conditions, when it is not advisable to open school or if a delayed opening is needed, appropriate announcements will be made on television and through our own electronic notifications.

For notification and information about adverse weather or other unexpected conditions, the following plan will be in effect:

 

A.      NO SCHOOL

If conditions are severe, and it is unsafe to travel to school, or school buildings cannot be opened, school will be canceled.  The No School Announcement carried by television will be made on Boston Channel 5, WCVB-TV; Channel 4, WBZ-TV; Channel 7, WHDH-TV; and FOX 25, WFXT-Boston.  Electronic notification will also be made through our automated phone call system, email, social media, and on the Stoughton Public Schools website.

 

B.      ONE-HOUR DELAYED OPENING

If conditions result in a one-hour delay, the opening of school and all bus pick-ups will be DELAYED ONE HOUR.  School dismissal will be at the usual time.  The following plan will be in effect:

  • All schools will open one hour later than the normal time.
  • Middle and high school will open at 8:30 A.M.
  • All elementary schools will open at 9:15 A.M.
  • Morning and full day Pre-school will report at 9:15 A.M.
  • Afternoon Pre-school reports at regular time.
  • Bus pick-up will be one hour later than normal.
  • Lunches will be served at the regular time.


 

C.      TWO-HOUR DELAYED OPENING

If conditions result in a two-hour delay, the opening of school and all bus pick-ups will be DELAYED TWO HOURS.  School dismissal will be at the usual time.  The following plan will be in effect:

  • All schools will open two hours later than the normal time.
  • Middle and high school will open at 9:30 A.M.
  • All elementary schools will open at 10:15 A.M.
  • No Morning Pre-school
  • Full Day Pre-school opens at 10:15 A.M.
  • Afternoon Pre-school reports at regular time.
  • Bus pick-up will be two hours later than normal.
  • Lunches will be served at the regular time.


    Delayed opening announcements will be carried over the same television and social media outlets as our school closing announcement.  Teachers and other staff will report either one hour or two hours later than usual.  Parents are reminded not to send or drop off their children to school early on days when there is a one or two hour delayed opening since the school yards may not be accessible, and staff will not be on duty to supervise children arriving early.

     

    D.     EARLY DISMISSAL

    In the event that students are dismissed early for weather or other emergency situations, notification will be made as follows:

    • Electronic notification will be made through our automated phone call system, email, social media, and on the Stoughton Public Schools website.
    • Early dismissal television announcements will be made, if possible.

    PLEASE NOTE:  It is the parents' responsibility to make provisions for their children in the event schools are dismissed early.

     

    Due to the urgency to make outgoing calls during emergency or early dismissal situations, we ask families to refrain from calling the schools for information.  We will provide updates on social media and our automated phone system as additional information becomes available.

    Your cooperation in these matters is greatly appreciated.

    Sincerely,

    Thomas R. Raab, Ed.D.

    Superintendent of Schools