Holyoke Public Schools follows specific protocols when determining whether to keep schools open or to close because of weather conditions.
“While delays, early releases, and school closures don’t occur regularly, when they do it’s important that everyone is aware of the district’s procedures, expectations, and practices,” said Superintendent Anthony Soto. “Occasionally, school schedules must be adjusted because of inclement weather, such as snow and ice accumulations, extreme wind chill, or heating or water emergencies.”
HPS typically makes closing, delay, and early-release decisions by 5:30 a.m. of an affected school day, and sometimes the evening before when possible. These decisions are made in consultation with the Holyoke Department of Public Works, neighboring communities, and the HPS Operations team.
“Student safety is always the most important consideration,” Superintendent Soto said. “However, we try to avoid schedule interruptions whenever possible to ensure that students are in class, learning. This means we may call for delayed starts or early dismissals rather than closing school for the entire day to preserve as much of our learning opportunities as possible. We know it can feel challenging for our families and students to plan for a change in schedule with relatively short notice. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to ensure that our children are safely in school and ready to learn even with these changes. ”
More information about inclement weather is available on the district website, including school schedules for early release and delayed start days.
Changes in school schedules caused by weather or other circumstances will be posted on the district website as a news story and as an alert banner at the top of every page, as well as on the district's Facebook page. Families and staff will be alerted via texts, phone calls, and emails through the district’s messaging system. HPS also releases information about changes in school schedules toWestern Mass News,WWLP Channel 22, andMassLive.
Important: If you do not receive an automated call, text, or email from the district’s messaging system, it is likely because your updated phone number and/or email address is not in our system. You can provide current contact information by completing this form.
“As we experience colder temperatures, families should ensure their children are wearing proper clothing to keep them warm on their route to and from school, as well as during outdoor recess,” said HPS Director of Health, Wellness, and Nursing Cynthia Carbone. “If your children need a winter coat, mittens, gloves, or hats, please contact your school’s family and community engagement coordinator.
What’s the difference between a school closure and a district closure?
When HPS announces a “School Closure,” students do not report to school at all. District employees and 12-month school staff are expected to report to work.
When HPS announces a “District Closure,” only essential employees are expected to report to work, including custodians, craftsmen/women and central maintenance staff.