School Closings, Late Arrivals and Early Dismissals

The Superintendent makes the decision to close schools, open late, or close early when weather conditions pose a hazard to students. While the safety of students is the district's overriding concern, it is also important not to disrupt children's education unless it is really necessary. Weather prediction is not an exact science. Some school closing decisions are clear-cut, but others are more difficult, especially without the advantage of hindsight.

How does the Superintendent make his decision?

The Superintendent consults with representatives of our Transportation Service, Barker Bus Company, the district bus contractor. Together they consider:

- Current and predicted conditions-

How much snow is now on the ground and how many inches are forecast?

How fast is the snow falling? Is sleet or rain freezing when it hits the ground?

Are temperatures predicted to rise or fall after sunrise?

- Actual Driving Conditions-

A representative of Barker Bus evaluates the roadways early in the morning to determine their condition. Both main and side roads are covered to determine district wide conditions. The East Amwell Township School District encompasses many square miles with varying driving conditions.

When must the decision be made to close school or open late?

Ordinarily the decision is made by 5:30 a.m. in order to call the school bus drivers before they leave for work. With very few exceptions, the latest possible time to make the call is 6:00 a.m.

A 90 minute delay in the opening of school is sometimes all that is needed to get children to school safely. Snow may stop, or in the case of icy roads, temperatures may rise. Road conditions are better when the morning rush hour has subsided

Does East Amwell Township School maintain its own hotline number?

The East Amwell Township School District maintains an Announcement hotline which is available 24 hours a day. The line is updated to report all school closings, late arrivals or early dismissals. The number is 908-782-6464. (Listen for message prior to dialing an extension.)

What circumstances would cause an early dismissal from school?

The School District tries to avoid emergency early dismissals because some children could go home to an empty house. However, a snow storm may arrive sooner than expected, or the weather may suddenly worsen during the day, and an early dismissal from school is the most prudent course to take.

Every parent, but especially parents who are at work during the day when an early dismissal takes place, should make arrangements with a neighbor so that a child will know what to do and where to go.

How will I know whether schools are closed or opening late?

School closings, late starts, and emergency early dismissals are announced on the radios, district Web page, television and on the district's hotline number &endash; (908-782-6464).

- Television: Channel 10 NBC News, Philadelphia

- Radio Stations: WHWH (AM) 1350 &endash; Princeton, NJ

WPST (FM) 97.5 &endash; Princeton, NJ

WKXW (FM) 101.5, Trenton, NJ

WCVH (FM) 90.5, Flemington, NJ

When schools are closed, what happens to evening activities?

When school is closed or must dismiss students early due to weather conditions, all evening activities are canceled. This includes the YMCA Child Care Program.

If schools are closed on a Friday, the Superintendent will make a decision on whether Saturday and Sunday activities will be held. This decision will be announced to the public via radio, TV, the district Web page, and the school hotline.

How are snow days made up?