Holyoke High School's North and Dean campuses have "Early Release Wednesdays" at 1:40 PM.

Please note: School meals will not be available on days when schools are closed.

Occasionally, school schedules must be adjusted because of inclement weather, especially snow and ice accumulations, but sometimes for other reasons too, such as extreme wind chill or wind, or heating or water emergencies.

Changes in school schedules caused by weather or other circumstances will be posted on the district website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages. Families and staff will be alerted via texts, phone calls, and emails through the district’s BlackBoard Connect messaging system. HPS also releases information about changes in school schedules to WesternMass News, and WWLP Channel 22. 

Important: If you do not receive an automated call or email from BlackBoard Connect (the district’s messaging system), it is because your updated phone number and/or email address is not in our system. You can provide current contact information by completing this form.

HPS typically makes closing and delay decisions by 5:30 a.m., 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. However, HPS strives to avoid schedule interruptions whenever possible, to ensure that students are in class, learning.

To help ensure the safety of our students and staff during inclement weather or other situations, Holyoke Public Schools may delay the start of school or close early. When this happens the following schedule will be followed:

• On days with a 2-hour delayed opening for students, students begin school 2 hours later than normal. For safety reasons, no students should arrive at school prior to the delayed opening.

• Breakfast will still be served

• Students who are transported to school by buses will be picked up 2 hours later than their normal pickup time. For example, a normal 7 a.m. bus pickup will be moved to a 9 a.m. bus pickup.

• Dismissal times will remain the same.

• After-school activities will follow their regular schedules.

Occasionally students may be released 3 hours early because of weather or for other reasons. In addition, some days are scheduled in advance to be half days for students. On these days:

• Lunch will be served to students before dismissal.

• There will be no afternoon pre-kindergarten.

• After-school activities will be canceled.