Snow Day Procedures

Dear Abington School District Families,

As we approach the winter season and increased chances of inclement weather, I write to provide our plan should a snowstorm impact our instructional schedule in Abington Schools:

• “Traditional” Snow Days – For the 2021-2022 school year, Abington School District has three extra days built into the calendar beyond the mandated 180 days in order to accommodate the potential for inclement weather. This means that the first three school closures would be observed as a “traditional” snow day for students (i.e., there will be no instruction). 
• Emergency Instructional Time – As a result of the pandemic, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has granted schools permission for the 2021-2022 school year to flex to virtual–rather than in-person–instruction at their own discretion to allow for the continuation of education in the event buildings need to close. The District’s Emergency Instructional Time Plan, which also applies to closures due to inclement weather, was approved by the Board of School Directors in August and was submitted to PDE. After we have used our three built-in days as a result of inclement weather, we will use our emergency instructional time for any additional snow days, which means students will learn virtually to avoid having to make up instructional days at the end of the school year. To support this mode of learning, more information and direction will be provided (such as what items to bring home) ahead of a closure announcement.  
• Early Dismissals/Late Arrivals – Should weather conditions develop during the day that would make bus travel dangerous, we will dismiss school early. To prepare for the possibility of an unplanned early dismissal, parents/guardians should have arrangements in place for their children in the event that no one is at home. In the event that school is on a two-hour delayed opening, students are to report to their bus stops or schools two hours later than their usually scheduled time. 

The District makes announcements regarding inclement weather using: 

• The District website and social media channels 
• Skyward (sent to parent/guardian email inboxes and accessible via Family Access)
• An automated phone system and (for those who subscribe) an automated text messaging system
• Local broadcast stations
• The District cable channel (Verizon Fios 34 and Comcast 968)

For a full list of communications and how to sign up, click here. To ensure you receive alerts pertaining to any potential closures or delays, please be sure your parent/guardian contact information is up to date in Skyward. 

Regards,

Jeffrey S. Fecher, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools