Remote Learning on Weather-related Closure Days

Earlier this year the State Board of Education enabled districts to utilize remote learning in lieu of imposing weather-related school closures and making up days at the end of a year. The benefits of this decision include protecting continuity of learning and promoting predictability in the school calendar. It is the district’s intention to utilize remote-learning in the event of a weather-related school closure. Even with this intention, it is important to note that there may be other variables, like widespread power outages, that may impact our capacity to engage in remote learning and force us to cancel school. It is also important to recognize that individual families episodically encounter unique circumstances, as has happened during remote learning experiences throughout the pandemic, that may prohibit them from engaging in remote learning on these days. In those cases, it will be important for families to communicate with their children’s teachers as has been the practice when connectivity or technology issues arise.

Since this is a new opportunity and weather conditions can vary even in a relatively small geographic area, our intention is to experiment with remote learning on an inclement weather day, gather feedback from students, teachers, and families, assess the effectiveness of the day and then adjust as necessary.

Closing School

The actual process of making the decision to close school or to delay its opening begins with the constant monitoring of weather reports, usually beginning the night before.  At 4:00 a.m. the Wilton Police Department is consulted on road conditions.  After gathering the necessary information (schedule of clearing the roads, etc.), area superintendents conference together with a meteorologist to ascertain weather and road conditions in the surrounding areas.  The decision to close must be made by 5:00 a.m. if it is possible to do so. The decision is made based on the best estimate of what will happen in the next four to twelve hours. If weather, road, and parking lot conditions are such that safety is a problem, school will be closed and the community will be notified via the SchoolMessenger notification system.  Status will be posted on the district website and reported to local television and radio stations as well. 

Delayed Opening

This year the district will utilize the option of a 1-hour or 2-hour delay. If a longer delay is  needed the district will utilize remote learning for the day. The decision to utilize a delayed opening schedule is based on the timing of a storm, and/or road conditions.

Delayed Opening Times

Early Dismissal

It is with the greatest reluctance that children are dismissed early because of weather conditions.  However in the event that an early dismissal is absolutely necessary, each family should have an emergency plan that their children thoroughly understand.  All families should review their plans with their children and caregivers.  A SchoolMessenger notification will be sent and status posted on the district website.

Shortened Days/Early Release

Weather-Related Remote Day Schedule

In the event of a weather-related remote day, we will utilize our current shortened day Wednesday schedule.

• Miller-Driscoll: 9:15 - 1:15
• Cider Mill: 7:45 - 11:55 (optional Enrichment available in afternoon)
• Middlebrook: 8:20 - 12:30
  • NB: If a closure is going to extend beyond two days, on the third school day Middlebrook will shift to a block schedule. If this becomes necessary Middlebrook will communicate specific schedule details to families.
• Wilton High School: 8:20 - 12:30*
  • *If an inclement weather day occurs on a Wednesday, WHS will continue with its Wednesday schedule including PLD time. If an inclement weather day occurs on any other weekday, the school day will end at 12:30.

Notifications will be sent via School Messenger and posted on the District's Websites.

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