Emergency Procedures

The Chancellor will make an announcement to all public schools in the city on whether to close schools or delay their opening. All  delayed openings will result in the regular starting time being two hours later (Please note that, in addition to this two hour delay, the Early Bird and Extended Day will be cancelled, as well as all field trips, all adult and continuing education activities, and all after-school activities).

 

By 6:00 a.m., the decision is announced on the 311 Information Line, on the Department of Education website Home Page (which can be accessed at www.schools.nyc.gov and on the following radio stations in the city: WINS (1010 AM), WCBS (880 AM), WABC (770 AM), WLIB (1190 AM), WADO (1280 AM), WBLS (107.5 FM), WNYE (91.5 FM), as well as the following television stations: WCBS (Channel 2), WNBC (Channel 4), WNYW (Fox Channel 5), WABC (Channel 7), WNYE (Channel 25), Univision Channel 41, and "NY 1" (Channel 1 on cable television). Major radio news stations, such as WINS (1010 AM) and WCBS (880 AM), should be listened to on portable radios in the event of a major blackout.

 

 

 

 

If there is a delayed school opening the school hours will be: 10:00 am -2:20 pm

 

When there is a citywide school closing or delayed school opening, the following will be cancelled unless the Chancellor makes an announcement otherwise: All field trips, Early Bird and Extended Day activities, all after-school programs (including Community-Based Organization after-school programs on public school sites), all after-school program transportation (including transportation to after-school programs at Community-Based Organization sites), all Adult and Continuing Education classes, all Young Adult Borough Centers, and all evening GED programs.

 

When there is a citywide delayed school opening, school buses will run, but their arrival times will be delayed by two hours. It is expected that when there is a delayed opening, all end of day extra sessions will be cancelled. As a result, all students will be dismissed at the regular time and Extended Day activities will be cancelled.

 

However, if citywide emergency conditions or a storm worsen, the Chancellor may have to announce an early dismissal. The Chancellor will notify bus services of the earlier dismissal schedule. You should have plans in place with a relative, friend or neighbor in case your child is released early and you will not be at home to care for him or her. Your child should know of your plans. Please note that if someone comes to pick-up your child, you must have listed that relative, friend or neighbor on the school EMERGENCY CONTACT CARD because schools are not allowed to release pupils to persons not listed on that card.

 

You may also note on the card a person or persons who should not have access to your child, as well as note the actions you would like the school to take if none of your listed contacts can be reached. The school will follow your notes as much as possible. It is important that you make certain that the card is up-to-date. If your child takes a school bus, school staff will remain in school with the bused children until buses arrive for dismissal or until your child is picked up.

 

If you have a child with a disability, you should use your judgment in deciding whether to send him or her to school when there is a delayed opening. If your child has medical or other health issues needing nursing or other services during the school day, including services requiring a nurse or paraprofessional to ride on the bus, you should think about not sending your child to school. Please be reminded that your child will not be picked up if a nurse or paraprofessional who is required to ride with him or her is not aboard the school bus.

 

Again, contact the 311 Information Line, visit the Department of Education website Home Page at www.schools.nyc.gov, and listen to the radio or television stations listed above for information.