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Farm Hill School

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Memorandum on Middletown Public Schools Cancellation Procedures ❄️

Posted Date: 10/23/26 (12:00 PM)
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October 23, 2026

Dear Middletown Families:

The winter season is almost upon us. The district administration understands that our decision to open or close schools due to inclement weather has an impact on families. We also understand that our students are better served – both academically and socially – by being in school. However, as always, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION?

Please understand that the decision to open or close schools during inclement weather or hazardous conditions is based on careful consideration and analysis of all relevant factors, such as:

  • Information on road conditions from the Middletown Department of Public Works, Police Department, and our School Bus Transportation Company. The City of Middletown is approximately 42 square miles and has many winding and hilly streets. We give careful consideration to the most dangerous roads in the district. Even if your street looks clear, travel elsewhere in the district may be dangerous, especially in the higher elevation areas of Middletown. Also, we consider that many high school students drive to school. 
  • Weather Forecast and Predictions. We prefer not making our decision based solely on weather predictions, which are not always 100% accurate, but sometimes this is unavoidable. The amount of snow and ice accumulated and forecasted is a major factor in the decision to close school. Temperature and wind chill are important factors as students wait outside for the bus or walk to school.  
  • Building Conditions. Our schools need to be a safe, healthy, and secure environment for all students and staff. Issues such as whether we have electricity, heat, or water are critical factors to consider. Parking lot conditions and entry ways need to be safe and passable for all students and staff. 
  • What other school districts are doing? We share information with seven (7) other local school districts via a conference call and check whether they are opening or closing.

WHO MAKES THE DECISION?

As the Superintendent of Schools, I am responsible for the final decision, based on the above factors and recommendations from the Public Works Department, Police Department, School Bus Company, District Facilities Department and our Consulting Meteorologist.

HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?

The following media outlets are notified: TV Stations (WFSB Channel 3, WTNH Channel 8, WVIT Channel 30, and FOX Channel 61). As you know, we send out a Parent Square Alert via voice message, e-mail message, and by text informing parents that school is canceled or delayed. Parents and Guardians should ensure that their current emergency contact information has been updated in PowerSchool and they have not opted out of the Alert system – the same system used by the Superintendent of Schools office. Please do not call the school unless it is an emergency.

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?

A decision needs to be made by 5:30 a.m. as bus routes begin at about 5:45 a.m. and media stations need to be notified to broadcast a school closing alert before students and families leave home to travel to school. 

WILL WE CLOSE SCHOOL IF CONDITIONS WORSEN?

Keep in mind that even if weather conditions worsen, we cannot reverse our decision in the morning without endangering students. Once we make the decision to open the schools, many parents rely on it and leave for work. If conditions worsen during the school day, we may need to have an early dismissal, but we will give adequate notice to all parents first. Although my staff and I do our absolute best in this process, weather conditions can be unpredictable. If you do not feel as though it is safe for your child to attend school, use your best judgment on whether they should attend. Also, please discourage teenagers from driving in bad conditions and offer them alternatives if weather conditions worsen.

IS THERE AN ALTERNATE TO NO SCHOOL FOR A SNOW DAY CANCELATION?

No. The Connecticut State Department of Education does not allow Remote Learning (or Virtual Learning) Days for school districts. All snow days will be made up at the end of the school year in June 2027. There will be no virtual learning on snow days. 

We hope that this explanation helps everyone understand the process that our district utilizes to make the best possible decision for all students and staff in our district. Thank you for your time and consideration. Let’s hope for good weather this season.

Sincerely,

Joseph P. Macary, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools