School Cancellations

November 7, 2019

Dear Members of the Concord and Concord-Carlisle Community:

Welcome to November! We were very fortunate last month to not be impacted by electricity losses that interrupted school schedules in many communities.  The discussion of a few flakes this week means that the winter season will soon be upon us and so will a likelihood of the need to cancel or delay school.

Many of you will remember that last year we began to develop a plan for virtual school days.  Per the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, concerns over equity and access have put all of those plans on hold. As a result, all school cancellations will require additional days at the end of the school year.

We work very hard to minimize the loss of instructional time.   The option to delay school by one or two hours prevents us from losing the entire day when storms wrap up in the early morning hours.  I work collaboratively with the Concord and Carlisle Department of Public Works and Police Departments as well as our transportation manager, facility leaders and METCO Director to make the best decision possible.    The goal is always to decide by 5 a.m. so that everyone can plan the day accordingly.

Finally, the decision is announced via multiple methods.   Twitter is my first stop as it is efficient.  I also use Twitter to announce the thinking the night before if a storm is predicted so everyone is aware of whether the decision will be made at night or in the morning.    Following that, announcements are immediately made via text, phone call and email and also posted on the web page and local television stations.

Here’s hoping for a mild winter that makes all of this information less relevant!
Best,

Dr. Laurie Hunter, Superintendent

Follow me on Twitter @cps_cchs