November 5, 2008

Dear Parent/Guardian:

As an avid skier, the first snowstorms of the year always brought me joy.  However, heading into my eleventh winter as a New England Superintendent, I now view the impending snowflakes from a different perspective. It is a reminder that, during the next few months, I will have many opportunities for decisions on whether to call a "snow day."  Canceling classes that can disrupt the learning schedules and home routines of our students is not to be taken lightly.

There are no hard and fast rules governing when to call snow days.  Indeed, the term "snow day" can be misleading as I find freezing rain and ice to be much more concerning typically than snow.  The timing of the storm is another factor, often they begin after our buses are underway or when students have already arrived at school.

Our students' safety and the ability of the school buses to get to the schools and to get the students back home are paramount factors in all my decisions. Faculty and staff, some traveling great distances, are also a concern.   Most long-term superintendents can tell stories about calling off school based on a faulty forecast.  That has happened in my tenure a few times with the sun brightly shining by 10 AM.  However, erring on the side of safety has always been my position.
 
In the event that it is necessary to close school, call for a delayed opening, or dismiss early, the following procedures are used whenever possible:  The decision to cancel school is usually made before 5:00 a.m. That decision is made after discussions with the Tyngsborough Police and Highway Departments and a review of the most recent weather forecast.  On days of questionable weather, I urge you to tune into the major Boston television stations (Channels 4, 5 and 7) and radio stations (WRKO 680 AM and WBZ 1030 AM).  School announcements are also broadcast on the Lowell Radio Station (WCAP 980 AM).

If it is necessary to dismiss early, your child will be dismissed to their regular bus/destination unless specific dismissal procedures are on file in your child’s school.  Storm-related early dismissal announcements will be made via the major Boston television and radio stations.  If an event should occur that we cannot dismiss on time and we’ve received notice of the roads being impassible, your child will be held at school until it is safe to dismiss.

I hope this information is useful and I urge you to inform your child’s school of special dismissal procedures and to be aware of possible cancellations or early dismissals when winter storms are forecast.  Let’s all work together to remain informed and have a safe and healthy winter.

Educationally Yours,

Dr. Darrell J. Lockwood
Superintendent of Schools