The decision to call a snow day/closure, delay, or early release is made by the Superintendent of Schools by 5:30 AM that morning. Families and staff can expect a call at 6:00 AM.

The Superintendent decides on school closures or delays by reviewing local weather reports and consulting with the Department of Public Works, other superintendents, and town officials.

School Cancelation/Delay Notifications

Once a decision is made, notifications are sent out in the following ways:

1. Mass Notification (via Thrillshare): Robo-calls, texts, and emails are sent to families and staff starting at 6:00 AM.

2. Website: A banner or pop-up is posted on the district website.

3. Social Media: Updates are shared on the district’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

4. Media Outlets: Local TV and radio stations (WBZ, WCVB, WHDH, FOX, NBC, NECN) will broadcast cancelations or delays.

Delays

In the event of a weather-related delay, school start times and bus routes will be pushed back by the length of the delay. For example, if there is a two-hour delay, schools will start two hours later. The same applies to bus routes. If your student's regular pickup time is 7:25 AM, the bus will pick them up two hours later at 9:25 AM.

Early Releases

In the event of an early release, school end times and bus routes will be adjusted accordingly. For example, if there is a two-hour early release, schools will dismiss two hours earlier. The same applies to bus routes. If your student’s regular drop-off time is 3:00 PM, the bus will drop them off two hours earlier at 1:00 PM.

Integrated Preschool/Pre-K

School Cancelation:

• Integrated Preschool/Pre-K programs will be canceled.

Delays:

• No morning Integrated Preschool/Pre-K.

• Afternoon Integrated Preschool/Pre-K will meet as scheduled.

• Full Day Integrated Preschool/Pre-K follows the same delayed opening schedule as K-5 students.

Early Dismissal

• Full Day and Afternoon Preschool/Pre-K will be dismissed with K-5 students.

Kids In Action (KIA)

School Cancelation:

• Kids In Action programs will be canceled.

Delays:

• KIA Before-School Program (grades K-5) will operate on the delayed schedule:

  • One-hour delay: KIA opens at 8:00 a.m.

  • Two-hour delay: KIA opens at 9:00 a.m.

• Full-Day Preschool/Pre-K follows the same delayed opening schedule as K-5 students. If schools have a one hour delay, Preschool and Pre-K classes will start at 9:30.

Early Dismissal:

• KIA After School Programs will close at 3:00 p.m.

Hingham Public Schools No School Procedures

The Superintendent of Schools decides whether to close or delay school after reviewing local weather reports and consulting with the Department of Public Works, other area superintendents, and town officials. The primary concern is the safe transportation of students and access to schools for staff and students. Typically, the decision is made before 5:30 a.m., based on road conditions, DPW input, and weather predictions for when students will be traveling. Since Boston-area weather forecasts can be unreliable, parents are encouraged to use their own judgment based on the actual conditions in their part of town.

Radio and  TV Stations to be Contacted

Cancelations or delays will be broadcast on TV stations WBZ, WCVB, WHDH, Fox, NBC and NECN and posted on their websites. 

School Cancelation/Delay Notifications

Staff and families will be notified of school closures or delays via robocall, text, and email, starting at 6:00 AM. Weather updates will also be shared on Hingham Public Schools' social media (Facebook and Instagram) and posted on the website at www.hinghamschools.org.

Please Do Not Call Police or Fire Departments

Parents and students should not call 911, the Police Station, or the Fire Department for school-related information. These agencies cannot provide school updates, and unnecessary calls may block emergency communications.

Procedure

The Superintendent usually makes the decision to close schools. If the Superintendent is unavailable or communication is down, the Assistant Superintendent and Business Manager are authorized to make the decision together. Teachers, paraeducators, bus drivers, and cafeteria staff do not work on weather-related closures. Principals, central office administrators, and year-round administrative assistants are expected to work from home if possible. If working from home isn't feasible, they may use a personal day, vacation day, or comp time. Employees should contact their supervisor for guidance.

Sidewalk Plowing

Hingham has a limited number of sidewalk plows and they cannot be in multiple locations at the same time.  They also move more slowly than other vehicular traffic. Therefore, it is unlikely that sidewalks can be cleared as quickly as roadways. Especially in the case of a major storm, schools typically will resume sessions before all sidewalk plowing can be completed.  Parents can help by organizing neighborhood car pools, walking with children to school, clearing snow banks at bus stops and driveway entrances to enhance visibility, etc.  As well, school bus drivers have been instructed to pick up “walkers” along established bus routes if students are waiting in a visible location along those routes.