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Inclement Weather and School Closings: What Families Need to Know
Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s),
Deciding whether to delay or cancel school due to weather is one of a superintendent’s responsibilities, and certainly not one I enjoy. While some students, particularly high school seniors, may welcome a snow day, our top priority is always the safety of students and staff. Because New England weather can change quickly, these decisions are often made early in the morning, typically by 5:30 a.m., to ensure families and staff have time to adjust their plans.
How the Decision Is Made
The Superintendent consults with District operations staff, local Departments of Public Works, and police officials in both towns. Factors include road and sidewalk conditions, snow accumulation, temperature and wind chill, building safety (heat and electricity), and expected clearing times.
When School Is Open but the Weather Is Questionable
Parents may always choose to keep their child home if they feel travel is unsafe. Families of student drivers are encouraged to remind them to drive slowly, allow extra time, and focus on safety.
Delayed Openings
If the weather improves quickly, school may open 1–2 hours late. Bus pickups and school start times shift by the same amount, but dismissal times remain the same.
Snow Days and Make-Up Days
State regulations require 180 school days, so any weather-related cancellations are added to the end of the school year (no later than June 30).
Power Outages
If all schools have power, the goal is to open. Widespread neighborhood outages may affect this decision. It is possible to cancel school for an individual school if it's an isolated power outage.
How does the District notify parents of a delay or cancellation?
• District website: https://www.nsboro.k12.ma.us • ParentSquare: email, phone, and text alerts • Local TV stations: WBZ (Ch. 4), WCVB (Ch. 5), WHDH (Ch. 7), Boston 25, and NECN
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure the safety of all students and staff.
Respectfully, Gregory L. Martineau Superintendent of Schools
Monday, October 27, 2025 6:30 PM Trottier Middle School Auditorium, 49 Parkerville Road
Important things to know:
- There is NO remote participation; all voters must attend in person
- Children are welcome; parents must remain with them in the cafeteria at all times
- The deadline to register to vote to attend this meeting is 5:00 PM, October 17, 2025
- Register to vote online here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/
- If you have questions about voter registration, please contact the Town Clerk’s office: (508) 485-0710, ext. 3005
Article 1 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant addresses zoning changes that could allow a Costco to be built in Southborough; this requires a 2/3 vote to pass.
- The Town is considering adding a new definition to the Zoning Code: “Highway Major Retail”
- This type of retail would only be allowed on one specific 20-acre+ parcel located off Route 9
The full language of the Article can be found here: https://www.southboroughma.gov/884/Town-Meeting-Information If you have questions regarding anything related to this article, please contact the Select Board at: (508) 485-0710, or selectmenoffice@southboroughma.gov
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Northborough School Committee Wednesday, November 5, 2025
6:30 PM
Agenda (TBD)
Lincoln Street School Cafetorium
76 Lincoln Street
Northborough, MA 01532
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Southborough School Committee Wednesday, November 12, 2025
6:30 PM
Agenda (TBD)
P. Brent Trottier Middle School Library
49 Parkerville Road
Southborough, MA 01772
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Regional School Committee Wednesday, November 19, 2025
6:30 PM
Agenda (TBD)
ARHS Library
79 Bartlett Street
Northborough, MA 01532
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Combined School Committee Meeting
Northborough School Committee
Southborough School Committee Regional School Committee
Superintendecy Union #3
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
5:30 PM
Agenda (TBD)
ARHS Library
79 Bartlett Street
Northborough, MA 01532
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In-person office hours provide a time and space for parents and guardians to connect with the Superintendent about questions, feedback, or concerns about their student or their experience with The Public Schools of Northborough and Southborough.
Monday, November 3, 2025, from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Algonquin Regional High School Career Resource Center
Monday, January 26, 2026, from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Lincoln Street School Library
Monday, May 4, 2026, from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM - Woodward School Library
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