School Closings & Delays

At Weymouth Public Schools, the safety of our students, staff, and community are our top priorities. When severe weather or emergencies arise that may impact school schedules, we carefully assess the situation to determine the safest outcome.

Making a Decision

The Superintendent works closely with the Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, WPS Transportation and Maintenance staff, the Weymouth Department of Public Works, the Weymouth Emergency Management Department, the Mayor’s office, and superintendents in neighboring towns to carefully consider forecasts and assess conditions in the community. 

Factors that affect the decision include, but are not limited to, road and sidewalk safety, current and projected weather conditions, the timing and severity of weather conditions, and building operations (e.g., heat, lights, and electricity).

We make every effort to make a school closing decision by 5:30 a.m.

The Superintendent is responsible for making a final decision for Weymouth Public Schools.

While private schools in Weymouth may choose to follow Weymouth Public Schools’ lead, we are not responsible for their schedule changes.

Communication Channels

Once a decision has been made, we communicate it promptly across multiple channels. Notifications are sent via:

• District website: www.weymouthschools.org
   
• Automated texts and emails: district-wide email and text notifications are sent to families and staff via our Mass Notification system
  (If you are not receiving regular communication from WPS or your child’s school, please contact your school office to update your contact information.)
   
• District social media channels: Facebook and Instagram
   
• Local TV stations: WBZ Channel 4, WCVB Channel 5, WHDH Channel 7, WFXT Channel 25, WHDH Channel 56

Delayed Start Information

• If a one-hour delay is implemented, school start times and bus pickup times are pushed back by one hour.
  Revised start times would be:
  • Weymouth High School: 8:30 a.m.
  • Chapman Middle School: 9:20 a.m.
  • Elementary Schools: 10:05 a.m.
  • Weymouth Early Childhood Center: 9:15 a.m.
  • Champions before-school care will open on a one-hour delay unless otherwise announced.
     
• If a two-hour delay is implemented, school start times and bus pickup times are pushed back by two hours.
  Revised start times would be:
  • Weymouth High School: 9:30 a.m.
  • Chapman Middle School: 10:20 a.m.
  • Elementary Schools: 11:05 a.m.
  • Weymouth Early Childhood Center:
    • If the delay is on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday: Full-day students will begin their day at 10:15 a.m. There will be no school for half-day morning students.
    • If the delay is on Tuesday: Full-day students will begin their day at 10:15 a.m. There will be no school for students who are normally dismissed at 10:45 a.m.
  • Champions before-school care will open on a two-hour delay unless otherwise announced.

Early Dismissals

To ensure student safety, early dismissals are generally avoided to prevent sending young students home to unsupervised or empty/locked homes. If an early dismissal becomes necessary, we will promptly notify families. We strongly encourage families to have backup plans in place.

Extracurriculars

If school is canceled or dismissed, all extracurricular activities and athletic events will also be canceled and school campuses will be closed unless otherwise announced.

Related:

• Weymouth School Committee Policy EBCD: Emergency Closings