NPS Weather Procedures
For both Norwalk Public Schools and the City of Norwalk, much research and thought goes into making weather-related decisions. To make sure we have the best information available, we first consult with a variety of experts, including a meteorologist on contract who provides Norwalk and other local school districts with weather alerts and forecasts for our area.
Because parents may work outside Norwalk and teachers travel here from other towns, superintendents from neighboring districts in the region are also consulted about the conditions expected in their area during a 4 a.m. conference call.
The city’s Department of Public Works advises us on road conditions and the readiness of parking lots and driveways, and Recreation and Parks are also consulted. The Facilities director for Norwalk Public Schools makes an assessment of conditions throughout the district and notifies us of any potential issues. Our bus transportation provider, Durham School Services, updates us on the status of buses and drivers.
Decisions on the school day are generally made and communicated by 5:30 a.m. In cases where a large storm is predicted with high certainty forecasts, we do our best to make a decision by 8 p.m. the night before. However, please understand that this is not always possible.
We know that school closings, delays and early dismissals can be a challenge for families and staff. While it’s important that our students get as much learning time as possible, the safety of staff and students is always our first priority.
Any school days closed for inclement weather will be made up after the last day of school in June.
Inclement Weather Protocols
Depending on the weather conditions and forecast, inclement weather decisions could result in the following:
DELAY: All delays are two hours in duration. Morning care will operate on a delayed schedule.
CLOSURE: All schools are closed for the day. All after-school activities and programs are canceled.
EARLY DISMISSAL: Schools open on time, but will end earlier than the regular school day, generally 2 hours before normal dismissal times. All after-school programs are canceled including after-school care. Early dismissals will be called by 10 a.m.
AFTER-SCHOOL CANCELLATION: School opens and ends at the regular time but all after-school programs are canceled.
For Preschools:
- On days of late openings, morning preschool sessions will be canceled.
- In the event of an early dismissal, afternoon preschool sessions will be closed.
- Full day preschools will follow the same delay and opening schedules as the schools where they are located.
The Carver Programs:
Carver will follow the Norwalk Public Schools closing, delay or early dismissal schedule.
DELAY: Program will have a delayed start of 2 hours.
EARLY DISMISSAL: After school programs are canceled.
CASPER at Carver Center will still pick up students and dismissal will be from Carver Center.
Where to Find Inclement Weather Announcements
To ensure the information you receive is accurate, we encourage all families to rely on
official NPS sources. School delays, closures, early dismissals and after-school cancellations are communicated in the following places:
- Norwalk Public Schools website: www.norwalkps.org
- ParentSquare message -- text, email and phone call
- NPS Social Media:
- NPS Facebook
- NPS Twitter (twitter.com/norwalkps)
- NPS Info Line recording: (203) 854-4123
- Local TV, radio and online media outlets, including:
TheHour.com | News 12 | WTNH Channel 8 |
WICC 600 AM | WFAS 1230 AM/103.9 FM | WDAQ 98.3 FM |
WSTC 1400 AM | CTWeather.com | WSHU 1260 AM/91.1 FM |
On days when weather may impact the school day, we ask that parents and guardians check these sources frequently for information. Parents and guardians should always make sure their child’s school has up-to-date contact information on file.
Although rare, changing conditions may require that a delay is changed to a cancellation, or that an early dismissal is called after the school day begins. We will make every effort to avoid changes, but there are times when it cannot be avoided.