Procedures for Norwalk Public Schools’ closings, delays, early dismissals

and after-school programming cancellations due to snow or inclement weather.

Decisions on the school day are generally made and communicated by 5:30 am. In cases where a large storm is predicted with high certainty forecasts, we do our best to make a decision by 8:00 pm the night before. However, please understand that this is not always possible.

Depending on the weather conditions and forecast, inclement weather decisions could result in the following:

1. Delay: All delays are two hours in duration.

2. Closure: All schools are closed for the day. All after-school activities and programs are cancelled.

3. Early Dismissal: Schools open on time, but will end earlier than the regular school day, generally 2 hours before normal dismissal times. All after-school programs are cancelled. Early dismissals will be called by 10 am.

4. After-school Cancellation: School opens and ends at the regular time but all after-school programs are cancelled.

For Preschools:

• On days of late openings, morning preschool sessions will be cancelled.

• In the event of an early dismissal, afternoon preschool sessions will be closed.

• Full day preschools will follow the same delay and opening schedules as the schools where they are located.

Please understand that there may be unforeseen emergencies for which we cannot plan ahead.  In those cases, we will have to make judgements and decisions based on the most readily accessible information provided by the experts on whom we rely.

To ensure the information you receive is accurate, we encourage all staff and families to rely on official NPS sources. School delays, closures, early dismissals and after-school cancellations are communicated in the following places:

• Norwalk Public Schools website: www.norwalkps.org

• Our automated School Messenger phone, email and text message system

  • Click here for instructions on how to opt into SMS alerts

• NPS Social Media:

  • NPS Facebook (www.facebook.com/norwalkps)

  • NPS en Español, Facebook (www.facebook.com/NPSenEspanol)

  • NPS Twitter (twitter.com/norwalkps)

• NPS Info Line recording: (203) 854-4123

• Local TV, radio and online media outlets, including:

On days when weather may impact the school day, we ask that parents and guardians check these sources frequently for information. Parents and guardians should always make sure their child’s school has up-to-date contact information on file. Although rare, changing conditions may require that a delay is changed to a cancellation, or that an early dismissal is called after the school day begins. We will make every effort to avoid changes, but there are times when it cannot be avoided.

Any school days closed for inclement weather will be made up after the last day of school in June. 

We know that school closings, delays and early dismissals can be a challenge for families and staff. While it’s important that our students get as much learning time as possible, the safety of staff and students is always our first priority.