Inclement Weather Procedures

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Winter may bring weather conditions that require school schedule delays or closures. These are difficult decisions that we take seriously.

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How decisions are made

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When poor weather is anticipated, at approximately 3 a.m., designated staff drive roads throughout the town to assess conditions. Between 4 and 4:45 a.m., the Transportation Director and Superintendent’s Office determine the feasibility of safely transporting children to and from school. When at all possible, decisions regarding school delays or closures are made by 5:00 a.m. In the event of an early release, decisions are made and communicated by 10:30 a.m.

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How we communicate

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Here is how we will communicate school schedule changes:

• Automated phone calls, emails, and texts.  Please Make sure your contact information and communication preferences are up-to-date in

• Website announcements:  Be sure to bookmark the District's website northstonington.k12.ct.us.

• Local TV/radio announcements. (WFSB channel 3; WTNH Channel 8; WVIT Channel 30; Fox CT; WNLC 98.7; Q94.5; WCTY 97.7 and K-Hits 100.9)

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What changes to expect

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• 2-hour late start: All schools in the District will open 2 hours later than usual. No AM preschool. No out-of-district transportation. Breakfast and lunch will be served. For potential updates to afternoon bus transportation or after-school sports practices, monitor northstonington.k12.ct.us.

• Early dismissal and delayed start: In the event of a change in school operations due to inclement weather, the District will send families phone, email, and text notifications. Information will be posted on the district website northstonington.k12.ct.us.

• School closed: All school buildings will be closed. There will be no in-person learning. No out-of-district transportation. A call will be made later in the day on the status of after-school sports practices. For potential updates, monitor the webpage northstonington.k12.ct.us.

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How to prepare for changes to the school day

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Each family should have a plan covering what to do when children arrive home early due to an emergency or weather-related situation. Please develop a plan and practice it with your child. If you will not be home, instruct your child as to where he or she should go in the event of an early dismissal due to emergency conditions. What is the best route home if your child cannot be delivered to the normal bus stop? Where could your child go if he or she needed help? Who would care for him or her until you arrive? Is there someone your child could call to calm any concerns he or she might have?