Reminder of Arlington’s early dismissal, cancellation, and delay policies and procedures.

The district will continue to use our automated phone system, SchoolMessenger, to notify parents of all emergency closings, cancellations, or early dismissals. Under most circumstances, cancellation and delay calls will go out beginning at 5:00 a.m. In the event of a delay, please listen to the message carefully as to whether it is a two or a three-hour delay. 

Early Dismissal Times

In the event that severe inclement weather is anticipated during the school day but before the normal school dismissal time, students will be released as follows:

• Arlington High School 10:00 a.m.
• Middle Schools 10:00 a.m.
• Elementary Schools 11:30 a.m.

These are our traditional bus departure times for an emergency early dismissal. Unless there are extraordinary circumstances that severely threaten students’ well-being, we will not conduct an early dismissal later in the day. Although this increases the possibility of dismissing students on the basis of weather forecasts that do not materialize, we believe that this will be safer for students and less confusing for parents.

Emergency Drop off Locations

In order to safeguard each child, please confirm with your school a single emergency drop off location in the event of an early dismissal. Please discuss this plan with your children. When confusion occurs, it is not always possible to reach parents to confirm their child’s destination. We need your help to ensure that every Arlington student is transported safely to the correct location. Please remember that the school does not call parents to alert them of an early dismissal. The sources for early dismissal information are listed at the end of this letter.

Cancellation Procedures

Between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., I consult with our Transportation and Maintenance departments, weather forecast services, and other school districts to make the best decision possible about delays and cancellations. Decisions on closing or delaying school will be made, if possible, by 5:15 a.m. in order to provide ample time for bus drivers and staff, many of whom travel significant distances to Arlington.

Delayed Openings – Two and Three-Hour Delays

If it appears that weather or road conditions will improve, we will delay the start of school. Our standard delay will be for a two-hour period.  However, if weather or road conditions suggest the need for a longer delay, we may call a three-hour delay.  PLEASE listen to the announcement carefully or check the website if you have any question about the length of the delay. If after announcing a delay we determine that safety conditions will not improve, we will announce a school closure between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.  

In the event that there is a delay on a scheduled half day of school (e.g. professional development half day), the half day will be rescheduled for another date and students will remain in school until regular dismissal time.

Information about Cancellations, Delays, and Early Dismissals: 

There are a variety of sources of information for school delays, closings, and early dismissals: