- Ashland Public Schools
- Inclement Weather
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Weather-Related School Closures
While we aim to minimize the disruption to student learning, our priority is the safety of our staff, faculty and students during inclement weather events. If weather conditions are unsafe, the district may decide to start classes late, release students early or cancel in-person classes entirely.
APS will try to follow the original school calendar, if possible, to avoid make-up days. Schools will be closed due to inclement weather only when absolutely necessary.
Rarely are weather or road conditions predictable enough for the district to announce the night before. However, the superintendent will try to make a decision as early as possible after consulting with key personnel, town departments and neighboring superintendents. The district will announce any delays or school closures as close to 5 a.m. as possible.
Decisions involving early dismissal or cancelation of after-school and evening events will also be made by the superintendent’s office. Early dismissals or after-school cancelations will be announced as soon as the decision is made.
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How to Find Information
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District website: Visit ashland.k12.ma.us for the most updated information on school closings and other cancelations.
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Email, call or text: Mass notifications are sent to school families and employees when classes are canceled or delayed or when students are released early. Be sure to subscribe to our district and school newsletters and weekly updates.
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Social media: Information may be posted on the district’s X/Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn accounts.
- Radio and TV: You may also check the following local TV and radio stations for district announcements of early dismissals, delays and closures:
Please make sure your emergency contact information is up-to-date and the methods in which you want to be communicated with are correct. Contact your school's administrative assistant if you need help updating your contact information.
Schools will open and operate as normal unless otherwise posted.
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When School is Open
- Dress your child(ren) to protect them against the wind and cold weather.
- Buses may be a few minutes late. Please wait as we safely run every route.
- Be careful on the roads and sidewalks.
- You may exercise parental discretion to keep your child(ren) home.
- Dress your child(ren) to protect them against the wind and cold weather.
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Additional Resources
For weather-related information, including road closure updates, utility issue alerts and winter weather preparedness tips, check out the resources below:
Frequently Asked Questions
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When will a delay be called?
A delayed start to the school day may be called to give plows enough time to clear the roads and parking lots, as well as ample time to clear and salt the sidewalks. A delay may also allow enough time for temperatures to increase for better road conditions and to warm up for those waiting at bus stops.
Delayed starts will be announced as close to 5 a.m. as possible.
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Who makes the final call for a school delay, closure or early dismissal?
Any decisions about school delays, early dismissals, school closures or cancelations will be made by the superintendent's office in consultation with key personnel, town departments and neighboring superintendents.
The district will cancel classes and close offices due to inclement weather only when absolutely necessary. Individual schools may also close if they have heating, electrical or other maintenance problems.
