District Inclement Weather Protocol
MSAD 35 will follow these protocols when assessing driving conditions during winter weather. There are several variables to consider, as the weather in South Eliot can differ significantly from that on Rodier Road in South Berwick. Therefore, MSAD 35 has collaborated with the Town of Eliot and the Town of South Berwick Emergency Management Directors, as well as the Chief of Police, Fire Chief, and Public Works Director from each community, to establish a clear emergency protocol for severe weather events or any unforeseen emergencies.
These protocols ensure effective communication between the towns, the State of Maine, and the school district. I will gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision regarding our school’s opening, closing, or potential delayed start. I will then communicate this information to members of our school district by 5:45 AM.
Over the past ten years, some families have questioned why school cancellation phone calls are made so early in the morning. The reason is that our school buses begin their morning routes as early as 5:50 AM, with the first students being picked up at approximately 6:20 AM. Some children need to walk up to half a mile to their bus stops, leaving their homes as early as 6:00 AM. Below is a list of various outlets where MSAD 35 will post information in the event of a change in our school’s daily status.
● Posting on the District’s website front page: www.rsu35.org
● Posting on the District’s Facebook page
● Notification by TV channels WCSH- Channel 6, WMTW Channel 8 & WGME-TV Channel 13
● Phone message and email via Thrillshare
It is also important to note that weather conditions can vary across our district. There may be times when you, as a parent, decide to keep your child at home even when school is open. I want to assure you that the District fully supports your decision. If you do not feel it is safe for your child to attend school, it is perfectly acceptable to keep them home. In such cases, the absence will be considered “excused” and any missed work can be made up within a reasonable timeframe.
I also want to clarify two scenarios that have caused some confusion in the past regarding inclement weather:
Two-Hour Delay – If a two-hour delay is announced, all schools will start two hours later than usual. This means that bus pickup times will also be delayed by two hours. For instance, if the bus usually picks up your child at 6:30 AM, during a two-hour delay, the pick-up will be at approximately 8:30 AM.
Please note that if a two-hour delay is called, morning Pre-Kindergarten and morning specialized programming for three-year-olds will be canceled.
Two-Hour Delay on a Delayed Start Thursday – On a Delayed Start Thursday, a two-hour delay means that all schools will begin classes two hours later than on a normal school day. For instance, if Marshwood Middle School usually starts at 7:30 AM, with a two-hour delay, it will start at 9:30 AM. The elementary schools will still release students at the usual early release times on Thursdays.
Please note that if a two-hour delay is called on a Thursday, morning Pre-Kindergarten and morning specialized programming for three-year-olds will be canceled.
I understand how the cancellation of schools affects families in our District. This decision is not made lightly or in isolation; it carries significant weight. Our top priority is to provide a safe environment for our students and staff. Thank you for your continued support!
Sincerely,
John S. Caverly, M.Ed.
Superintendent of Schools