January 23, 2026

Dear Parents/Guardians, 

Due to the impending forecast, we are writing to share additional information regarding the potential use of inclement weather (snow) days.  The District calendar was put together with the potential for emergency closure days in mind.  To that end, we have one traditional snow day available, should we have the need to close.  Any other days will require the use of remote instruction in order to ensure that we meet the State’s annual requirements for hours and days of instruction. 

Utilizing remote instruction allows for us to count the day of instruction toward the requirement.  While we always aim to comply with State requirements, we understand that there may be circumstances that make accessing online instruction challenging.  We ask that your child make their best effort to be online for the scheduled check-ins with their teachers on Google Meet.  

In anticipation of the potential for a major weather event, all student Chromebooks will be sent home with students this afternoon.  The first day of this weather event that results in a school closure will be a traditional snow day with no remote instruction. Should the closure extend to a second day, the following remote instruction schedules will be in implemented (detailed schedules attached): 

• Students in Pre-K:

  • No remote instruction 

• Students in grades K-8: 

  • A truncated 2-hour remote instruction day will be followed (schedule attached)

  • A blend of synchronous (live) instruction and asynchronous (independent) activities will be provided by the teacher(s).

  • Attendance will be taken at the start of each learning session. To be marked present, students are expected to have their cameras on during live Google Meet check-ins.  If a student is not signed into the Google Meet, they will be marked absent.

• Students in grades 9-12:

  • A full day of remote instruction will be followed.  Due to a number of factors, including Regents and other testing days for high school students, Whitman does not have additional hours available to allow for a truncated day. 

  • A blend of synchronous (live) instruction and asynchronous (independent) activities will be provided by the teacher(s).

  • Attendance will be taken at the start of each learning session.  To be marked present, students are expected to have their cameras on during live Google Meet check-ins.  If a student is not signed into the Google Meet, they will be marked absent for that particular class period. 

In the event of a closure, parents will receive notification via ParentSquare from the District.  If we need to shift to remote instruction, students should check Google Classroom for login details and activities from their teachers.  Please review the attached Google Meet Etiquette document which reviews remote learning protocols. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Curriculum and Instruction.  

Sincerely,