October 2024
Dear Families, Faculty and Community,
Once again we are facing the time of year when New England weather can be very unpredictable and severe. We must ensure that the district meets the state mandated number of school days and number of instructional hours in a safe and secure manner. The decision to close, delay or dismiss school early is always made with students' safety in mind. The process to make such a decision involves, not only the superintendent and support team, it also includes the consulting meteorologist, All-Star Transportation, the Brookfield Police Department, Public Works, and the Parks & Recreation Department.
In the majority of circumstances, a delayed opening for all schools will be two (2) hours. However, to avoid school closings, we also have a three (3) hour delay option for provision of additional time to clear roads and prepare parking lots. It is anticipated that this three hour delay option will be utilized on rare occasions. We try to make a decision to close or delay the opening of school by 5:45 a.m. based upon what is expected to happen in the next two to eight hours.
NOTIFICATION
Stay tuned when a delay has been announced since it might turn into a cancellation if weather conditions do not improve. Radio, television, school bus operators, staff, and designated internet-based sites will be notified immediately. Visit the district website/Facebook page for such announcements. Additionally, we will send a Parent Square post to notify staff and families of changes to the schedule. YOU MUST BE SIGNED UP FOR PARENTSQUARE IN ORDER TO RECEIVE TEXT MESSAGES. You may also download the Parent Square app on your mobile device.
Although early dismissals are avoided whenever possible, on rare occasions it may be necessary to dismiss school early due to the unexpected deterioration of weather conditions. In these situations, an announcement will be issued by 9:10 a.m. Weather related early dismissal for schools is as follows: Brookfield High School - 11:20 a.m., Whisconier Middle School - 11:20 a.m., and Candlewood Lake Elementary School - 12:10 p.m.
Families should have an emergency back-up plan in place in the event of an early dismissal. Please make sure your children understand where they should go in the event of an early dismissal from school. Child care arrangements at home or on the same bus route should be made in advance of the early dismissal day since it will be impossible for the school staff to personally contact each parent. On days when the weather may be problematic, please stay tuned to the local radio and/or television station or other
communication media as indicated above to be aware of an early dismissal. As alternate drop- off and pick-up procedures vary from school to school, parents should follow the established procedure for their child’s specific school.
When school is canceled or closed, unless otherwise indicated, all activities and meetings are also canceled. The school buildings will also be closed.
Finally, during inclement weather when an administrative decision to open school has been made, it is not meant to preclude a family’s choice to keep their children home. Families are encouraged to exercise their own judgment in such cases.Sincerely,
Dr. John W. Barile Superintendent
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