Mansfield Public Schools
January 8, 2024
Dear Families,
It is that time of year when, once again, we need to stay advised of weather forecasts and the potential impact on whether to cancel or delay school. Like weather forecasting, the school closing-decision process is not a perfect science. However, it is important for families to understand how it works. Please see the frequently asked questions below.
Who makes the decision about whether or not to close school?
The Superintendent of Schools, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Operations, Facilities Director, Mansfield's Department of Public Works, the Highway Department, and Mansfield Police officials makes the final decision. The goal is to make an announcement by 6:00 AM or earlier whenever possible. We understand that if made later, families have little time to make arrangements for childcare, and some school district staff may have already left for work.
What information is gathered to aid in the decision?
There are multiple factors used in deciding whether or not to close school: road conditions, snow accumulation predictions, building conditions such as electricity and heat, parking lot conditions, air temperature and wind chill, and estimated times from the Department of Public Works as to when roads, walkways, and parking lots will be cleared of snow and ice.
How is the information acquired?
District staff monitor state and local weather forecasts. The Department of Public Works and Mansfield Police officials provide updates on neighborhood road conditions.
What are parent/guardian responsibilities?
The safety of your child is paramount. On days when weather conditions are questionable, but school remains open, parents are free to exercise discretion. Parents of young drivers are asked to reinforce winter weather driving skills: allowing extra travel time, reducing speed, and not worrying about being late.
How are days made-up?
As per State regulations, students must attend school for a minimum of 180 days and the school year must end by June 30. If school is closed due to weather, the day will be made-up at the end of the school year.
How do power outages affect the decision?
Inclement weather can affect the timeline for utility companies to restore electricity. If all school buildings have electricity, the goal will be to open the schools.
What is a delay opening?
Rather than close school for a whole day due to short-term weather situations, there may be days when the beginning of school will be delayed one hour, ninety minutes, or two hours. School will simply start later by the length of the delay. Bus pickup, therefore, will also occur later. For example, if your child is normally picked up at 8:30am, during a one hour delayed opening they will be picked up at 9:30am. Breakfast and lunch will still be available and dismissal will be at the regularly scheduled times.
What is an emergency early release due to weather?
If severe or unexpected weather conditions develop after students have already arrived at school, it may become necessary to dismiss students earlier than scheduled. When this occurs, the school will notify all families and staff as quickly as possible.
Parents and guardians should make every effort to meet their children at their designated dismissal location. Staff members will remain on-site at our elementary schools until all students have arrived home safely or have been picked up at the school.
How is the public notified?
Announcements about school closings and delays are communicated as outlined below. Please be advised, depending upon the severity of the storm, school and district administration offices may be closed in addition to cancelling classes for students.
- Text Message
- School Notification via the MPS App (if you have opted in)
- Phone call and email (If you miss the call, listen to the voicemail. Do not call back the number that appears on your caller ID.)
- District website (www.mansfieldschools.com)
- Massachusetts television: WBZ-Channel 4, WCVB-Channel 5, WHDH-Channel 7
- Rhode Island television: WJAR TV 10, WPRI TV 12, ABC TV6
Why do I receive so many notifications?
In order to ensure that all families receive school notifications via their preferred platform, information is sent multiple ways. As a result, you may receive a text message, app notification, phone call, and email containing the same information.
Warm regards,
Michelle L. McKeon, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
