November 19, 2020
Dear Sanford School Department Parents and Guardians,
With winter rapidly approaching, it is time to update our protocols to keep students and staff safe when inclement weather occurs. As you know, our schools are currently operating under a hybrid model of in-person and remote learning due to COVID-19. As long as this continues, we have two options on stormy days:
Option 1: Remote Snow Day In-person learning is canceled due to weather, but remote learning continues. Families can register in advance to receive ‘shelf-stable snow meals’ for use on these days. More information on these meals will be forthcoming.
Option 2: Traditional Snow Day All school activities are canceled, including remote learning. These days must be made up at the end of the school year. Our last day of school is Wednesday, June 9, 2021; for every “Option 2 snow day” we use, we will need to add a make-up day starting June 10, 2021.
I anticipate using both of these options based on the weather. I must stress that it will be very important to follow school cancellation messages to determine whether a school closing will follow a “Remote Snow Day” or a “Traditional Snow Day” model. When in doubt, please check our website www.sanford.org for detailed information.
Reminders:
- If a school day needs to be delayed, canceled or shortened due to the weather or for any other reason, a message will be sent out from our updated website and app. Please be sure that we have your current contact information in Infinite Campus so you’ll be kept up to date. Please check with your school’s office if you have any questions about the information we have on file. Parents and guardians of Sanford Middle School and Sanford High School students can use their Infinite Campus parent portal to make updates. Still need some help? Please contact Anne L’Heureux for assistance at (207) 608-8703 or alheureux@sanford.org.
- Delays, cancellations and early release information will be posted as early as possible with the following media outlets:
- TV Stations: Channels 6, 8, 13 (Channel 6 has a text alert option available!)
- Radio Stations: WGAN (560 AM), WMGX (93.1 FM), WPOR (101.9FM) WYNZ (100.9FM)
- When a school day is cancelled or students are released early, school buildings will be closed to all activities – including sports and practices – unless extenuating circumstances exist.
- Under certain circumstances, school may be delayed by one or two hours to allow city crews time to take care of the roads and to allow contractors and staff time to get our buildings opened up. Lunches will be served at the normal time and schools will close at the normal time. If school is delayed on an early release Wednesday and there is in-person learning, students will still be released early and professional development will still take place.
- If early dismissal becomes necessary, website messages and media notifications will be made no later than 12:00 noon.
- You may not always agree with my decision to cancel or postpone school. Remember, parents and guardians have the final decision regarding their child’s safety. If you feel it is too dangerous for your child to attend school, please keep him/her home – just call the school and let them know.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. I know changes to the school day often make it difficult for parents but I must take everyone’s safety into consideration when threatening weather is predicted.
Sincerely,
Matt Nelson, Superintendent of Schools