Inclement Weather FAQ

January 2024

SCHOOL CLOSING AND DELAY INFORMATION

APS strives to make a decision to close or delay school prior to 5:30 AM in order to give families ample time to make arrangements. All decisions are made based on road conditions, accumulation of snow and/or ice, duration of precipitation and school building and parking lot conditions.

Please listen to the "Snow Day" episode of Superintendent Sawyer's podcast to find out more information about what goes into making a school cancellation/delay decision.

What information is gathered to aid in the decision?
There are multiple factors used in deciding whether or not to close school: information on road conditions, snow accumulation predictions, building conditions such as electricity and heat, parking lot conditions, air temperature and wind chill, and estimated times from the Department 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 monitors state and local weather forecasts. The Department of Public Works and Attleboro 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 school remains open, parents are free to exercise discretion and keep children home from school and call them into school as absent. Parents of adolescent drivers are asked to reinforce winter weather driving skills: allowing extra travel time, reducing speed, clearing all snow and ice from vehicles, and not worrying about being late.

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 school.

What is a delayed opening?
Rather than close 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. School 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 8:15 AM, during a one hour delayed opening he/she will be picked up at 9:15 AM.

How is the public notified?

Waiting for television broadcasts is often the least effective means of learning about school closings. It is recommended that you first rely on the school-based communication resources above. Each station also posts school closings on its website.