Dear Families,

As Hartford Public Schools prepares for the winter months, we want to remind you of our inclement weather procedures.

Extremely cold morning temperatures can cause delays on morning bus routes. A severe storm watch may also cause delays. Our transportation department works to pick up students as quickly as possible during these conditions. When extreme weather conditions exist, you can help by ensuring your children are dressed as warmly as possible and remaining with your children until they are picked up.

During severe weather watches or warnings, our school system works with local authorities to monitor conditions and proceeds with arrival and dismissal based upon known conditions. Adjustments are made as needed.

If schools are delayed, closed, or released early, there are a variety of ways we notify families, including:

  • Automated Phone Call, Email, & Text Message
  • Snow Line – 860-695-SNOW (860-695-7669)
  • Major Media Outlets (Local TV & Radio Stations)
  • District Social Media & Website www.hartfordschools.org

It is important that your child’s school has your current emergency contact information, including home and work phone numbers for our calling system. Please take the time to update that information with your child’s school if needed. For more information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) included in this letter.

Thank you for helping us as we work to keep all our students safe.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN MAKING THE DECISION TO CLOSE SCHOOL?

The safety of all Hartford area school students is our primary concern in making a decision to close schools. To determine children’s safety, we consider the following factors:

  • Weather reports and recommendation from local authorities
  • The onset, rate, and accumulation of ice and/or snowfall
  • Information on road conditions from the bus company
  • Potential safety of bus company starting & completing routes
  • Building conditions (e.g. whether schools have power and heat)
  • Parking lot conditions

WHO DECIDES TO CLOSE SCHOOLS?

After gathering information from multiple sources and considering weather-related factors, the Superintendent will make a recommendation to close schools. After this decision is confirmed, the Communications team will distribute the information to the public.

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?

Generally, school closing announcements are made on the morning of the day of closing between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. However, parents are to use their own discretion in determining whether or not to send their children to school during inclement weather when schools remain open.

HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?

  • Automated Phone Call, Email, & Text Message
  • Snow Line – 860-695-SNOW (860-695-7669)
  • Major Media Outlets (Local TV & Radio Stations)
  • District Social Media & Website www.hartfordschools.org