Early Dismissal

Guideline for Early Dismissal

Grades 7-12	1:25 p.m. approximately
Grades K-6	2:00 p.m. approximately

Why?

Unfortunately, weather conditions can worsen once students are already at school. On those rare occasions, Greenfield-Central Schools may initiate a 2 hour early release for middle and high school students. A common misunderstanding that parents assume is that this subsequently compromises the safety of younger students who are released later. This is not the case. For many of our families, both parents work outside the home. By releasing middle and high school students first, older siblings and babysitters enter the community prior to the dismissal of the younger students who need supervision if parents are not at home.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to recall buses for an early dismissal. Because of the nature of an early dismissal (worsening roads or other emergency conditions), parents may very well receive an AlertNow message with less than 30 minutes notification, depending upon the speed of the alert system and other factors. We understand that working parents who drive their children to and from school may need additional time to respond quickly after notification. Children will be held at school under administrative supervision until parents are able to arrive.

When?

The State is very clear about early dismissal. Schools may only dismiss two hours early, not at the lunch hour. Regular dismissal time is at 3:25 for Greenfield-Central junior high and high school students. The earliest we can dismiss secondary students for weather related issues is at 1:25. On early release days, the dismissal of  primary and intermediate students will follow the junior high and high school early releases, essentially at 2:00 and 2:10 respectively, or as soon as secondary bus drivers are able to conclude their routes and safely arrive at our four elementaries. Safety remains our primary focus during severe weather. We appreciate the patience and understanding of families as we make every effort to get students home safely under challenging weather conditions.