Hopewell Events
Hopewell Regional Schools Winter Weather/School Closing Procedures
The recent snow flurries remind us that the winter months will soon be upon us and it is inevitable that a decision to close schools or to arrange a delayed opening will be made. I would like to provide you with some insight into how I reach my decision to close or delay school. In the very early hours of the morning, the Director of Facilities contacts local police and the directors of Public Works for Hopewell and Pennington, he studies weather forecasts, and reviews conditions on district property. At the same time, the Director of Transportation communicates with bus contractors and key department employees. While they discuss the road situation, I review the weather across the region and discuss the local conditions with area superintendents during a 4:45 am conference call. The final pronouncement rests on my shoulders with advice from our Director of Facilities, the local police and other key administrators. There are numerous factors to weigh before a decision is reached. First and foremost, I must consider the safety of students and staff. I ask myself, “Can the buses deliver students to and from home?” “Can students wait outside for school buses?” “Have crews cleaned the roads and parking lots sufficiently so staff can drive to school or back home?” The landscape we value so much in Hopewell Valley also plays into the decision. The Valley is quite diverse and encompasses over 60 square miles, from the sprawling Sourland mountains to small borough streets. Finally, I know that I must make a final decision early enough to ensure that buses and staff members traveling from far away have not left and by 10 a.m. in order to inform the staff and community about an early dismissal closing. Whenever possible, the decision will be made the night before. This year, we will be using the AlertNow system to inform parents of a school closing, delay or early dismissal. This communication will take place at approximately 6:30 am (staff members will be notified by 6:00 am) and 10:00 am for any early dismissal. Parents/guardians will receive an email and phone message using their contact information listed in Infinite Campus. In addition, a message will be placed on the district website (hvrsd.org), on the cable stations (Comcast Channel 19 and Verizon FiOS Channel 32), and on the district telephone system (737-8449). As we begin the season of ice, snow, and cold, I want to thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. Each decision regarding school openings and closings will be made on a case-by-case basis, with thoughtful concern for the safety of all students and staff.
