How A Snow Day Gets Called

What is the decision-making chain for snow days at Middlesex?

In February, the school’s decision to have a Snow Day surprised students and families, all thanks to a misleading and poor weather forecast and news predicting a severe snowstorm that never materialized. Snow Day, when a school closes due to heavy snowfall or extreme weather, lets students experience the beautiful scenes of the snowy campus with a precious break away from academics. Middlesex School's Snow Day decision-making process piques curiosity, prompting the question: how is the decision for a Snow Day ultimately made?

When it comes to deciding on a snow day, “safety” is the top priority. In the words of Karlyn McNall, the Assistant Head of School, safety in and out of campus stands as the most significant factor in a decision-making chain. Due to the danger derived from severe weather conditions, including the possibility of car accidents, inaccessibility to campus, and frozen pathways, Ms. McNall underlines that schools have become “more cautious,” as a notable amount of the community’s population resides off-campus. Ms. McNall says that “making a decision that accommodates the needs of the community” acts as a main driving force for the final decision. Moreover, the members of the community who are closely involved with the decision include the Facility Team led by Steven Legassie, Eric Kester, the Chief Strategic Planning and Communications Officer, Karlyn McNall, the Assistant Head of School, and Bessie Spears, the Head of School. According to Ms. McNall, the following describes the step-by-step decision-making process for the snow-day decision.

1. The Facility Team, run by Steven Legassie and staff regularly takes note of the weather forecast to ensure the opening of campus through local news, various weather forecasts, and applications. When the weather forecast indicates the high possibility of a snowstorm or extreme weather conditions, communication will be done with the Assistant Head of School, Karlyn McNall, to further discuss the decision to call a snow day. 

1. Through the information provided by the Facility Team, Ms. McNall evaluates the validity of calling a snow day decision through confirmation of weather conditions, learning about the decisions of other boarding schools or schools around the region, and further discussions with staff of the team. 

1. Bessie Spears, the Head of the School, makes a final decision on calling for a Snow day, through a thorough examination of various factors including the possibility of schedule conflicts and the safety of the community. Mrs. Spears informs Mr. Kester, the Chief Strategic Planning and Communications Officer, of the notification of Snow Day to the members of the community.

1. Finally, Mr. Kester and other members of the administrative team are responsible for informing the decision of the Snow Day decision to both boarding and day students, Day students’ families, Faculty, and other populations of Middlesex. 

1. The schedules of Academics, athletics, and artistic groups’ are adjusted accordingly through changes in the syllabus, for example. 

Although the decision-making process for a Snow day may be perceived as rather simple, the effort and steps required for the call constitute a significant amount of research, consideration of factors, and discussion to fully meet the necessities of the community. Led by the diligent efforts of the Facility Team, Karlyn McNall, and Bessie Spears, a careful evaluation of weather conditions, regional decisions, and potential conflicts ensures a comprehensive approach. In the unpredictable world of New England weather, Middlesex School remains dedicated to ensuring the well-being of its students and faculty.

Matthew Yoon