Good Afternoon Shrewsbury Families,
While the winter weather provided an extra day for the Thanksgiving break that was welcomed by many, it does create challenges for our school schedules. The additional snow coming overnight also potentially creates complications for tomorrow, which is a previously scheduled early release day. After reviewing the updated weather forecasts and consulting with our principals and other key personnel, I have decided that we will postpone tomorrow’s educator professional development early release day to a future date to be determined. As a result, we will have a much greater chance of not needing to cancel school tomorrow and to get our students back on track after the break. Please note:
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Tomorrow, Tuesday, December 3, is now scheduled for a regular full day of school, with normal dismissal times. Buses will run on a normal morning and afternoon schedule. All programs, including afternoon preschool and kindergarten sessions and Extended School Care, will operate as they do on a typical day.
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I hope to begin school on time tomorrow. IF the weather and road conditions require a delay or cancellation, I will communicate via automated phone call, email, and text early tomorrow morning (typically between 5:15am and 5:45am).
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Monday’s lunch menu will be used for Tuesday.
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For more information about delays and cancellations, click here. I have pasted part of this information below as a reminder to families regarding how I make these decisions and what families can expect.
Thank you for your understanding.
Respectfully,
Joe Sawyer
Superintendent of Schools
Excerpt from Delay and Cancellation Policy:
If inclement weather impacts the morning commute, the Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the Highway Department and Public Buildings Department, will decide whether to cancel school or delay the opening of school. This decision will be made based on road conditions throughout the town, as well as on the ability to clear school driveways, parking lots, and entrances/exits. Please note that plowing and treating roads is the Highway Department's first priority, and neighborhood sidewalks may not be cleared prior to the morning commute. Conditions will vary in different neighborhoods across town (especially side streets), and many town sidewalks may not be cleared for some time after a snowfall. Parents are in the best position to judge the situation in their own neighborhood and to make decisions regarding safety. When you are deciding whether your child may walk to school or wait at a bus stop, to drive your child to school, or to allow your high school student to drive to school, please be mindful of the conditions, especially given the height of snow banks at intersections and in parking lots. Parents who do not feel comfortable with the conditions in their neighborhood when school has not been canceled always have the option to choose not to send their children to school. During poor weather, parent pick up and drop off lines at schools and bus routes will typically run more slowly than on a normal day, so we appreciate your patience and understanding.