School Closing Procedures

School Closing Procedures

Detailed below is the school district's operational plan for closing schools and administrative offices during inclement weather conditions. The Division Superintendent and designated staff personnel will assess weather and travel conditions prior to 5:00 a.m.  When a decision is made to close or delay schools for the day, parents and staff will be notified by phone through our Parent Notification System. Local television and radio stations will also be notified by 5:30 a.m.to request that one of the following announcements be made:

  • "Portsmouth Public Schools and administrative offices will be closed today."
  • "Portsmouth Public Schools will be closed today; twelve month employees will report to work."
  • "Portsmouth Public Schools and administrative offices will have a delayed opening of __ hour(s)."

Under the first statement,only emergency personnel (those individuals previously advised) will report to work. Under the second notice, only twelve month employees will report to work at the normal time, unless the announcement specifically states that a delayed reporting time has been established.Under the third broadcast, a delayed opening will apply to all employees.

Special Notation

In the onset of severe weather during school hours, the Superintendent will make a decision regarding the early dismissal of schools. If schools are closed because of emergency weather conditions, the normal order of dismissal will prevail. The District Calendar can accommodate some school closings due to inclement weather, as required. If schools are closed for more than the number of days built into the Instructional Calendar, the Superintendent reserves the right to designate those days as deemed necessary.  Any adjustment to the final exam and graduation schedules will be made by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

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