The Milton Town School District understands that any decision to open or close schools in bad weather has an effect on families. Research shows that children are better served, both academically and socially, by being in school. During times of inclement weather, our top priority is the safety of our students, faculty and staff.
It is important to understand that decisions about delayed starts, school closures, and early releases are made with the best of intentions and with the most accurate information we have at that time.
HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION?
Please understand that I will make the decision to open or close the schools in bad weather by 5:30 AM based on a careful analysis of all relevant factors, such as:
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Road conditions and recommendations from the VT Agency of Transportation, Milton Police, Milton Highway Department, and Mountain Transit. We must give careful consideration to the most dangerous roads in the district.
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Snow and ice accumulation, precipitation, temperature and wind chill.
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MTSD building and parking lot conditions.
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Weather predictions. We prefer not to make our decision based on weather predictions, which are not always accurate. But sometimes this is unavoidable.
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Consultation with other school districts.
HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?
Families are notified via phone, email, and/or text messages to the contact information on file with your student’s school. In addition, the information will be on with WCAX.
WHAT ARE THE LOGISTICS FOR DELAYS AND CANCELLATIONS
School Is Closed: No transportation service is provided and no access to the building is available.
School is Delayed: Delays are typically for two hours. If a delay occurs, morning preschool will be canceled for the day. Afternoon pre-school buses will run at their regular times.
Early Dismissal: Mid-day inclement weather can create different problems and the district seldom uses early dismissal for several reasons.
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The bus fleet must get prepared and this requires a 2 hour notification.
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Mid-day closure can create hardship in organizing child supervision.
WILL WE CLOSE SCHOOL IF CONDITIONS UNEXEPECTEDLY WORSEN?
No. Once we make the decision to open the schools, families rely on it and many make arrangements for work. If conditions get worse during the school day, an early dismissal may occur, but we will give adequate notice to all families.
Although we do our absolute best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. If, based on current weather conditions, you do not feel that it is safe for your child to attend school, please use your best judgment to determine their attendance and/or transportation for the day.