How WPS Decide to Call a Snow Day?

Worcester receives a considerable amount of snow and ice during the winter months, and sometimes that causes Worcester Public Schools (WPS) to close, delay, or dismiss school early to ensure the safety of students and staff.

While many of us  — particularly students — enjoy the occasional snow day, we must balance several factors in making that decision, which includes the childcare needs of working families, making up missed days at the end of the year, and most importantly, the safety of our students and staff based on current or pending weather conditions.

What Goes Into a Snow Day Decision?

  • Worcester Public Schools (WPS) has about 12,000 students who ride the bus daily and use 200 buses that travel on main roads and side streets. The condition of all streets are considered in the decision.

  • WPS has about 12,000 students who walk to school daily. The condition of sidewalks and crosswalks are considered in the decision. City ordinances require sidewalks be cleared 10 hours after the snowfall stops.

  • WPS has 50 properties that are maintained for snow removal. It takes about 8 hours to clear 6 inches or less of snow, and more time for higher amounts of snow.

  • WPS uses a variety of public and private weather services when monitoring the weather forecast. The district prefers to make a decision as early as possible to allow families time to make childcare arrangements.

Three Factors in a Snow Day Decision

  • Timing of the storm

  • Duration of the storm

  • Total amount of snow

No School, Delay, or Early Release?

WPS asks itself the following questions when determining whether to cancel school, delay the start of school, or dismiss school early:

  1. Can students arrive to school safely?
    A) Yes; B) Yes with a delay; C) No

  2. Can students get home safely?
    A) Yes; B) Yes with an early release; C) No

  • If yes to both, students will have school.

  • If yes to using a delay or early release, those options are considered.

  • If no to both, then school will be canceled.

How Will I Know?

All weather-related school cancellations, delays, and early dismissals will be announced to families and staff via ParentSquare, on the district’s website, social media (Facebook, X, and Instagram), and on local television news stations: WBZ 4, WCVB 5, WHDH (7 News), NBC 10, Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra, and WFXT Boston 25.