Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Guardians,
This notice contains information regarding weather-related school delays, cancellations, and early releases, as well as Remote Learning Day notifications.
SEBRSD Inclement Weather Notifications
As noted in our 2020-2021 school calendar, we will not have traditional snow days this year within the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District. Safety considerations, uniform access to electricity/internet during the school day, and Covid fatigue, make snow days an important part of successfully navigating the school year. Calling snow days in New England is a difficult task. That said, this winter given our increased capacity with remote learning, we have a unique opportunity to maintain teaching and learning regardless of weather conditions. And given the abundance of resources available to evaluate conditions in real time, as well as our ability to consult with the National Weather Service, Department of Public Works, local Emergency Management officials, and neighboring towns, we can keep our focus upon teaching and learning with purpose.. My decision regarding delaying, closing, or releasing schools early always has been and always will be based upon “safety first” for everyone within our learning community. As a result, if you have not already done so, please make a plan for the safe care and/or receipt of your child in the event that a weather related delay, closing, or release is necessary.
Remote Learning Day Information
Equally as difficult as calling a snow day in New England, is making the determination of when to move to a Remote Learning Day in one or more schools during the Covid experience. A Remote Learning Day may be called for one school, multiple schools, or the entire district.
Remote Learning Days will be used if we do not have adequate faculty/staff coverage to ensure student safety. In addition, if there is concern regarding Covid transmission in school, or some other event jeopardizes students attending school safely, we will also enact a Remote Learning Day.
Similar to inclement weather situations, please have a plan in place for the oversight of your child. A Remote Learning Day situation could range from one day to multiple days depending on cause and severity.
Notification Process
Our district has now transitioned over to our new App and website services as our primary means for delivering the most up-to-date information to your cell phones with our notification feature. To get the App, you can go to the Apple Store or Google Play Store and search for “SEBRSD” then download the App to your phone.
As well, as a backup communication service, notifications will be made through our OneCall Notification System. I will do my best to let you know the night prior, but not later than 5:30 a.m. on the day in question. Further, notifications will be placed on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter Account for the district as well as Channel 4 (WBZ), Channel 5 (WCVB), Channel 7 (WHDH), and Channel 25 (FOX).
Thank you, again, for your support and partnership of the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District as we navigate this academic year. #Progress #Unity #Knowledge
Sincerely Yours,
Paul S. Haughey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools