School Closing and Delayed Opening

School Closing Information

After consulting with the appropriate town departments, the transportation company, and school authorities in neighboring communities, the superintendent may cancel or delay the opening of school due to difficult weather conditions.

NOTE: Please do not call the School Department/Schools, Police or Fire Departments or the Snow Emergency Hotline. Doing so will not provide you with the information you need and will disrupt and burden these operations.

Delayed Opening

When storm conditions are such that road and sidewalks would be safe an hour or an-hour-and-a-half after the usual starting time, but not earlier; such a decision is likely to be made. The announcement will be broadcast on the following TV and radio stations: WBZ/AM1030 (Channel 4), WCVB (Channel 5) and WRKO/AM680/WHDH-TV (Channel 7). and will indicate the amount of time the school opening will be delayed. The bus schedule will be moved forward by the same amount of time as the delayed opening.

Dismissal at the end of the day will remain the same as usual.

Notice of school delays or school closings will be:

Emergency closing of school

If it appears that normal dismissal procedures will be disrupted by an emergency, parents will be notified as soon as possible and practical. Parents may be notified or receive the information in the following ways:

  • Automated telephone message.

  • BPS e-mail

  • BPS Web site main page

Belmont Town Bylaw Regarding Snow Shoveling

  • Residents have until 8:00 PM the day following the end of the storm to clear the sidewalk of snow, slush and ice adjacent to their property to ensure safe pedestrian passage.

  • For an assistance, there are a limited number of volunteers who may be able to help by calling (617) 993-2970. For those that are handy with a snow shovel, please consider checking on your neighbors and offering a helping hand when possible.

  • The Town of Belmont has several community sand barrels located around town. To find your nearest one click here. These are open to residents, providing a sandy mixture to help with traction on snowy and icy sidewalks.

  • For enforcement or questions about sidewalk clearing, please call (617) 993-2664.

Important Considerations

Early releases related to weather will be avoided because of all of the concerns and disruptions created by an unscheduled release. In the unlikely event that an unscheduled early release is necessary, it is crucial that we have accurate and updated contact information for parents/guardians. Please ensure that contact information is updated.

A good contingency plan for childcare, in the event of a school cancellation or school delay, will serve the best interests of both students and adults. Please take some time now to make sure everyone in your family knows the plan for an unexpected school closing or delay.

We all need to be prepared for cold, messy and potentially dangerous and changing weather conditions. Warm clothing, weather-proof footwear, hats and gloves are essential to ensure safety and good health. Please advise students about street, walkway and visibility hazards created by snow piles and ice patches. Bus stops too will be impacted by snow and ice and the town has limited capacity for clearing/maintaining bus stops particularly during and immediately after storms.

After school activity cancellations will be announced in the same manner as regular school closings.

There may be days on which parents might feel that their children should be kept home because of weather, even though the school is not closed. Although such absences are a parental responsibility and will be recorded as absences for the child, school authorities understand such decisions, especially when they are implemented with discretion and care.