Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Magnet School at Annie Fisher

As Hartford Public Schools prepares for the winter months, we want to remind you of our procedures for winter weather conditions and make you aware of our policy for snow days.

Snow Days

HPS may make the decision to close schools for a day or more due to winter weather conditions. HPS must also close schools when the City of Hartford initiates the emergency parking ban. The district will notify families as early as possible through the communication methods listed below. Snow days will be made up as necessary at the end of the school year.

Delays and Early Dismissals

Winter weather conditions may also cause delayed openings or early dismissal from the school's regular schedule. HPS’ transportation department works to transport students to and from school as quickly and safely as possible during these challenging travel conditions. When colder winter weather conditions exist, make sure that your child is dressed as warmly as possible, and we recommend remaining with your children for students who are waiting for transportation to arrive.

Notifying HPS Families

During winter weather watches or warnings, our district works with local leaders to monitor conditions and make adjustments as needed. If schools are delayed, closed, or released early, there are multiple ways to notify HPS families, including:

• Automated Phone Call, Email, Text Message, and Post via ParentSquare

• Calling into the Snow Line - 860-695-SNOW (860-695-7669)

• Media outlets (local TV, radio stations, and news websites)

• District website (www.hartfordschools.org, school websites, and social media)

It is important that your child’s school has your updated contact information, including current phone number, cell phone number, opt-in for text messages, and email address. Please contact your child’s school to update that information if needed.

For more information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) included below. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT FACTORS ARE CONSIDERED WHEN MAKING THE DECISION TO SHIFT TO DELAY/CLOSE SCHOOL?

The safety of all Hartford Public School students and staff is our primary concern in making a decision to adjust school schedules. To determine whether it’s safe to open schools, we consider the following factors:

• Weather reports and recommendations from local and state leaders

• The onset, rate, and accumulation of ice and/or snowfall, or forecasting of
  hazardous conditions

• Local electrical power outages

• Information on road conditions from the bus company

• Safety conditions for buses starting and completing routes

• Building conditions (e.g. whether schools have power and heat)

• Parking lot conditions

• City of Hartford’s emergency parking ban, which requires school lots to be used for
  emergency parking to keep vehicles off the road

WHO DECIDES TO DELAY/CLOSE SCHOOL?

After gathering information from multiple sources and considering weather-related factors, the Superintendent will make a decision. The Communications team will distribute the information widely to the public.

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?

Generally, school closing announcements are made on the morning of the day of closing between 5:15 AM and 5:45 AM. Sometimes the announcement is made earlier due to imminent inclement weather or when the city’s emergency parking ban.

You can find our Weather -Related (Emergency) Early Release Times here.

HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?

• Automated phone call, email, and text message, and information post via
  ParentSquare

• Snow Line - 860-695-SNOW (860-695-7669)

• Major media outlets (local TV, radio stations, and news websites)

• District social media and website (www.hartfordschools.org), and school websites

Title Image: Winter Landscape by Jatniel Bustos, Grade 9 (2025) Weaver High School