Notification of Closing or Delay

TCPS sends notification of closing or delay via email and phone call through our notification system. We also notify local and regional TV and radio stations about systemwide school closings and delays. It is not possible to guarantee that the news media will announce this information promptly or accurately. For the fastest, most reliable information, check the following:

• Internet: www.talbotschools.org (closing announcements are under the navigation menu)
• Email: via School Messenger (please make sure your email address is up-to-date in PowerSchool)
• Follow TCPS on Twitter! and Facebook
• Plan Back-up Care: For safety reasons, prearrange emergency back-up care for your child in the event that schools close unexpectedly either in the a.m or p.m.

How Talbot County Public Schools Decides to Cancel or Delay School During Bad Weather

Closing or delaying schools is a serious responsibility. A change in a school schedule can create inconveniences and difficulties for many families. Talbot County Public Schools is committed to making the best and most informed decisions we can, and communicating decisions as quickly and reliably as possible.

We evaluate many factors and sources of information as we work to make the most responsible decisions for our students and employees. Our main focus is always the safety of our students and employees. The following is the process we follow to decide on weather delays and closings:

• Our Transportation Department receives regular updates from several sources including weather forecasts from the Mount Holly, NJ and local 911 weather services the night before, in the morning, as well as during the day, to stay ahead of developing weather. We also use the Maryland Chart camera system, and talk to neighboring school districts about the conditions they are seeing.
• On mornings when we have inclement weather, Transportation employees fan out throughout the county by 5:00 a.m. to assess roads and sidewalks.
• Easton airport is contacted regarding visibility and five spotters from various locations in the county call the Transportation Department to report on conditions in their area. (Note: All standardized reflective markers are set at 750 feet from the spotter’s viewpoint.)
• County Emergency Management and County and State Roads are contacted for road and weather conditions during severe weather.
• The Superintendent evaluates all this information. The Superintendent decides by 5:30 a.m. if and when we can safely open schools and transport students.

This decision is communicated through an auto dialer to parents and staff. The announcement is also conveyed via email, and posted on Twitter, Facebook and talbotschools.org. Phone calls are also made to regional radio and television stations with the announcement, as well as the County Emergency Management Agency.

These decisions are made carefully and student safety is our number one concern in making the best decisions with the information available at the time.

Pre-K Schedule
When school opens 90 minutes late, both full and half day pre-k sessions will take place. Morning classes start 90 minutes late with the rest of the grades at the school, and breakfast is served. When school opens two hours late, full day pre-k students will attend, but half day morning sessions will not be held.

Early Dismissal
When schools close 2 hours early due to bad weather, half day morning pre-k students remain at school for dismissal with full day students, and lunches are served. Afternoon pre-k programs are cancelled.