Winter Weather Letter 2020-2021
November 1, 2020
Dear Brookfield Families,
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.
This year, rather than utilizing a traditional school cancelation as a “snow day” where the day must be made up to meet state requirements for student attendance, the CT State Department of Education has authorized districts to exercise the option to hold a Remote Learning day in lieu of a “snow day” when weather conditions are deemed unsafe. Such Remote Learning days will not have to be added to the end of the school year as make up days.
The decision to apply the Remote Learning option is dependent on reported power outages in the community or other factors that may impact our ability to provide an appropriate remote educational experience. You will be informed when a “snow day” is selected for remote learning. (For more information, click here)
A delayed opening for all schools will be two (2) hours. However, to avoid school closings, last year we added 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 5:30 a.m. based upon what is expected to happen in the next two to eight hours. 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. Follow me on Twitter, @ supr_barile and visit the district website/Facebook for such announcements. Additionally, we will send a Schoolmessenger email to notify staff and families of changes to the schedule.
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 9:30 a.m. Weather related early dismissal for schools is as follows: Brookfield High School - 10:20 a.m., Whisconier Middle School - 11:15 a.m., and Huckleberry Hill & Center Schools - 12:00 p.m. Please note: For parent/guardian pick-up times at Huckleberry Hill and Center Schools, please refer to communication from the building administration.
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 cancelled or closed for Remote Learning, unless otherwise indicated, all activities and meetings are also cancelled. The school buildings will be closed.
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.
I thank you in advance for your vigilance and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Dr. John W. Barile
Superintendent