Happy snow man in the snow with a thermometer

Inclement Weather Update for Families

Hartford Public Schools

November 3, 2023

As Hartford Public Schools prepares for the winter months, we want to remind you of our procedures for winter weather conditions and make you aware of our policy for snow days.

Snow Days

HPS may make the decision to close schools for a day due to winter weather conditions and HPS must also close schools when the City of Hartford initiates the emergency parking ban. The district will inform families as early as possible through the communication methods listed below. Snow days will be made up at the end of the school year.

Delays

Winter weather conditions may also cause delays. Our transportation department works to pick up students as quickly as possible during these conditions. When winter weather conditions exist, be sure that your child is dressed as warmly as possible, and we recommend remaining with your children until they are picked up.

Notifying HPS Families

During winter weather watches or warnings, our district works with local authorities to monitor conditions and make adjustments as needed. If schools are delayed, closed, or released early, there are a variety of ways we notify families, including:

  • Automated Phone Call, Email, Text Message, and Post via ParentSquare

  • Snow Line - 860-695-SNOW (860-695-7669)

  • Major Media Outlets (Local TV & Radio Stations)

  • District website (www.hartfordschools.org, School Websites, and Social Media

It is important that your child’s school has your updated contact information, including current phone number, cell phone number, opt-in for text messages, and email address. Please take the time to update that information with your child’s school if needed. For more information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) included in this letter. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.


Frequently Asked Questions:

WHAT FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN MAKING THE DECISION TO SHIFT TO DELAY/CLOSE SCHOOL?

The safety of all Hartford Public School students is our primary concern in making a decision to close schools. To determine whether it’s safe to proceed with opening schools, we consider the following factors:

  • Weather reports and recommendation from local and state authorities

  • The onset, rate, and accumulation of ice and/or snowfall

  • Local Electrical Power Outages

  • Information on road conditions from the bus company

  • Potential safety of bus company starting and completing routes

  • Building conditions (e.g. whether schools have power and heat)

  • Parking lot conditions

WHO DECIDES TO DELAY/CLOSE SCHOOL?

After gathering information from multiple sources and considering weather-related factors, the Superintendent will make a decision. The Communications team will distribute the information to the public.

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?

Generally, school closing announcements are made on the morning of the day of closing between 5:15 AM and 5:45 AM.

HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?

  • Automated Phone Call, Email, & Text Message, and Post via ParentSquare

  • Snow Line - 860-695-SNOW (860-695-7669)

  • Major Media Outlets (Local TV & Radio Stations)

  • District Social Media & Website (www.hartfordschools.org), and school websites