Due to anticipated weather conditions that are expected to make traveling particularly hazardous, all SPS schools and district offices will be closed tomorrow, Friday, February 4th. SPS evening events scheduled for tomorrow are also canceled. The latest forecast for tomorrow calls for a mix of precipitation throughout Massachusetts that starts as rain and turns into freezing rain, sleet, and possibly snow, creating a high probability of very icy conditions on roads and sidewalks as temperatures drop well below freezing as the day progresses. Most of our staff travel from outside of the immediate Somerville area and will also be impacted by conditions outside of Somerville. Many of our students walk, and the forecast for flash freezing with the possibility of up to a ¼ inch of ice on the sidewalks will make it treacherous for students.
We understand that school cancellations can be challenging for families. The decision to cancel school is always one that we make after carefully considering the risks based on the current information available to us. Multiple factors are considered in making this decision. The impact of some weather events, such last week’s blizzard, are easier to determine. Others, like tomorrow’s event, are not as clear. Given the potential for flash freezing due to the mix of precipitation and low temperatures that are forecast for tomorrow across Massachusetts, and the projected hazardous travel conditions, we feel that canceling school for the day is the safest and most appropriate option. We appreciate your understanding.
We look forward to seeing students and staff back in our schools on Monday, February 7th. Please stay safe tomorrow.