Winter Weather Procedures
The following information concerning the management of severe winter weather conditions is provided as a practical resource to parents/guardians and other community members.
Where does the information come from that is used to make decisions about severe weather conditions and school closings?
If ice or significant snow is expected during the night, careful monitoring of forecasts begins. At approximately 4:00 am, the superintendent collects information on road conditions from the DPW and confers with the Police Department, Fire Department, and bus company, as necessary. Also, superintendents from surrounding towns are contacted to evaluate options.
What factors are considered in making a decision to delay opening or close school?
If roads are snow-covered or accumulation is expected to continue through the morning, a cancellation for the full day is likely. If snow ends early and crews need time to clear roads and lots, a two-hour delay in school opening is more likely. Safety is the primary concern in making a decision, and several factors are considered, including:
- Information on road conditions from the police and DPW staff that are plowing, sanding, and shoveling.
- The amount of snow on the ground or ice on the roads.
- Weather predictions for accumulation of snow and other severe conditions.
- Availability of buses (bus yard cleared, vehicles will start).
- Conditions of school grounds (parking lots cleared).
- Building conditions (heat and lights).
- Power outages and downed power lines.
- Temperature and wind chill.
Who makes the final decision?
The Superintendent of Schools is responsible for the final decision based on the above factors and after consultation with many individuals, the bus company, and other town departments.
When is the decision made to cancel or delay school?
Every effort is made to decide by 5:30 am so that radio and TV stations can be notified, the announcement may be placed on the website, and families can be notified via a SchoolMessenger phone call by 5:45 am Information is available on major television channels (4, 5, 7, 25), radio (WBZ 1030 AM), the Hanover Public Schools website, and district social media sources. If conditions and the forecast support canceling school the evening before, that decision will be made as early as practical to afford families time to make plans.
Will an early dismissal be implemented when the weather becomes severe during the school day?
Generally, the answer is "no". Elementary and middle schools will not dismiss early when severe weather begins during the day because of families where adult supervision is unavailable before the regular dismissal time. An early dismissal could send children home to empty houses, and, in some cases, students could not get into their homes. Due to the limited number of school buses and the number of teen drivers at Hanover High School, a decision to release early would be made only after consultation with other town departments on the safest course of action. Parents/guardians can always keep children home or dismiss their child(ren) if severe weather is predicted for the afternoon. In the event that severe winter weather is predicted to begin during the school day, we may call for early dismissal before the school day begins or the evening before giving families time to prepare. Families are advised to have a backup plan if a parent or guardian cannot pick up or meet children returning home.
Will before and after school care be operational during cancellation or delay?
If school is canceled, all district programs are closed. In the event of a delayed opening, before-school care will be open one hour later than the regular schedule. In the event of a planned and pre-announced early dismissal due to predicted severe weather, the after-school programs will remain open for one hour after the early dismissal. Students must be picked up within that hour by a parent/guardian or another authorized individual.
Power Outages Information
View the Town of Hanover power outage information for safety tips and resources. Have your flashlights, candles, generators, and backup power devices ready. Don't forget to fully charge your electronic devices before any type of inclement weather. If you lose power, please notify National Grid at 800-465-1212 to ensure that your outage is reported. To report a downed power line, stay away and call 911.