Snow day Monday? How school officials decide with major storm predicted
From left: Declan Moore, 8, Austin Moore, 6, and Kayden Conklin, 8, all of Wantagh, get their dose of sledding at the hamlet's Cedar Creek Park last month. Credit: Neil Miller
Long Island schools are gearing up to tackle the threat of a major storm packing heavy snowfall this weekend, and likely to continue Monday. Some high school athletic events have already been canceled or rescheduled.
Severe weather could disrupt travel and dump more than a foot of snow in the region, with most of the snow accumulating on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Friday is also projected to bring subfreezing temperatures that will last through part of next week.
School superintendents said they’re getting plows and equipment in position as they continue monitoring the forecast. Here's what parents need to know about how schools are preparing for the projected event.
Will any events be canceled this weekend?
Tom Combs, executive director of Section XI Athletics, which oversees scholastic sports in Suffolk, said a girls track meet scheduled for Sunday was moved to Saturday afternoon, and a junior varsity cheerleading competition scheduled for Sunday was canceled. Combs said there are more than three dozen basketball games currently scheduled for Monday that could also be impacted. Section VIII Athletics, which oversees Nassau scholastic sports, did not immediately return calls for comment.
How are decisions about weather-related closures made?
District superintendents said they consider snowfall amounts, icy conditions, temperatures and travel conditions. Parking lots, walkways, paths and roads need to be cleared. The schools coordinate with local officials, agencies and transportation partners to determine the best course of action.
Timothy Eagen, president of the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association, said in an email, "District officials will be speaking to town highway departments and facilities supervisors before making decisions." He added that the timing of when the storm hits also matters.
Marie Testa, president of the Nassau County Council of School Superintendents, said districts also communicate with each other across Long Island and with Nassau BOCES. Judith Larocca, superintendent of Valley Stream schools District 13, said they must also make sure maintenance staff “can travel to the buildings safely” to remove snow.
When will decisions about closures be made?
Most districts said they will be making a decision Sunday afternoon or evening about potential closures on Monday. At least one district said it could make a decision on Monday morning.
What are the contingency plans?
Some districts said there could also be delayed openings on Monday. "We have established weather-related closure procedures in place, including either a 2-hour delayed opening or full closure, and maintain regular communication with neighboring districts and Eastern Suffolk BOCES to coordinate responses," Lance Lohman, superintendent of Longwood Central schools, said in a statement.
In the event of a school closure Monday, will schools have a traditional snow day or switch to online learning?
Most districts said they have incorporated one to three snow days into the academic year. Robert Lowry, deputy director for Advocacy, Research and Communications at the New York State Council of School Superintendents, said in an email that districts only shift to remote instruction after "exhaust[ing] available days.” East Hampton schools Superintendent Adam Fine said a traditional snow day is “important to the community,” and is included in the calendar year but “if we have subsequent snow days, we will then go remote.”
How will parents and students be notified?
School superintendents said parents will receive texts and calls through their specific notifications systems. Closures are also posted on newsday.com, school websites and on social media.
What do school districts say about enjoying snow days?
If classes are canceled Monday, district officials encouraged children and families to stay safe and to make the best of it. “With snow days becoming such a rare event on Long Island these past few years, we like the idea of having our students enjoy a good old-fashioned snow day when possible," Marc Ferris, superintendent of Sayville schools, said in an email.
Lorena Mongelli has been reporting for Newsday since 2021. Prior to that, she covered breaking news at the New York Post.
