As we continue to navigate an eventful winter, we know families have questions about how decisions are made regarding school delays, closures, and early dismissals. At Maine-Endwell, the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority, and weather-related decisions are made with careful planning, collaboration, and timely communication.
The Decision-Making Process
When there's a possibility of winter weather, our administrative team closely monitors both current conditions and future forecasts. We work in consultation with highway superintendents, weather experts, law enforcement, and neighboring school districts to evaluate road conditions and overall travel safety.
Key factors include:
Road and sidewalk conditions throughout the district (Endicott, Endwell, Maine)
The timeliness and effectiveness of snow removal on school grounds
Input from our Transportation Director and local Highway Supervisors
These partnerships ensure we have the most up-to-date and accurate information before making a decision that impacts our families.
When Decisions Are Made
A decision to delay or close school is typically made by 5:15 a.m. on the affected day. In cases of severe or fast-moving storms, a decision may be made the evening before to allow families time to plan.
Families are encouraged to stay alert for updates through:
Maine-Endwell social media channels
Automated phone calls
Text messages and push notifications
Local media
Delayed Start Times
In the event of a delay, school start times are pushed back by one or two hours, and buses will arrive accordingly. If conditions worsen and a delay must become a closure, that decision is typically made before 7:30 a.m. Unpredictable weather may occasionally alter or delay these decisions, especially if it is expected during pick-up times.
Early Dismissals
If conditions worsen during the school day and an early dismissal becomes necessary, families will be notified as soon as possible. Typical early dismissal times are:
11:30 a.m. – Middle School / High School
12:30 p.m. – Elementary Schools
Please note: When school is closed, all after-school activities and events are canceled.
Code Blue Days
A Code Blue is issued during extreme cold weather. On these days, all students are offered transportation to school via bus. Additional details about Code Blue procedures can be found here.
How Notifications Are Shared
To ensure families receive information promptly, the district uses multiple communication channels:
District website and social media updates by 5:30 a.m.
Phone calls, emails, texts, and push notifications by 6:00 a.m.
Local television and radio stations by 6:00 a.m.
We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we work to keep our school community safe throughout the winter months.