Dear Vineland Public Schools staff and families,
With winter now upon us, we want to remind staff and families about our procedures for school closings, delays, and early dismissals due to inclement weather or emergencies. Safety remains our top priority, and we carefully consider many factors before making adjustments to the school day.
How We Communicate Closings or Delays
Announcements will typically be made as early as possible but no later than 5:00 a.m. via the following:
Radio stations: WVLT 92.1 FM, KYW Radio 1060 AM
Television stations: Fox 29, 6ABC, NBC 10, CBS 3, Comcast Ch. 9/Verizon Fios 41
Websites and social media: District website (www.vineland.org), district social media (Facebook, Instagram, X), VPS app.
Messages will also be shared through our outcall system via phone call, email, and text. Please ensure your most current contact information is on file with your child’s school to receive these updates.
Important: If the announcement is a delay, continue monitoring as it may change to a cancellation. Please do not call school offices for updates, as phone lines need to remain open for emergencies.
Closures and Delays
If school is closed, all classes and activities are canceled unless otherwise announced.
For a delayed start, school and bus pick-up times will begin either 90 minutes or two hours later than usual. The exact delay start time will be specified in the message.
Additional Information for Delays:
Breakfast will not be provided on delayed openings. Lunch will be served as normal.
On a delayed opening, the Before Care program will follow the district’s schedule. Before and After school providers will follow the same delays as students.
Students attending schools outside Vineland Public Schools, including CCTEC, charter schools, and non-public schools, will follow their school’s schedule.
School hours can be found here: https://5il.co/2rynu
Early Dismissals
In rare cases, we may need to release students early due to worsening weather or other emergencies. Afternoon and evening activities will be canceled unless announced otherwise.
It is important to have an emergency plan in place:
Talk to your child about what to do if they arrive home early and you are not there.
Arrange with neighbors or provide your child with a reliable contact number to call and check in.
Winter Safety Tips for Students
Please remind children of the following:
Dress for the weather. Buses may not heat as quickly as cars, and breakdowns could leave students without heat temporarily.
Allow extra time for the bus to arrive. Snowy or icy roads may slow traffic.
Stand back from the curb, as vehicles may slide on slick roads.
Be cautious on sidewalks and crosswalks, which may be slippery.
Emergency Closures and the School Calendar
State law requires a minimum of 180 days of instruction. If days are lost because of inclement weather, extreme heat, or other reasons, additional days shall be added to the June calendar. A copy of the current school calendar is available on the district website.
We will continue to monitor conditions closely and communicate updates to ensure the safety of our students. As always, the decision to send your child to school during inclement weather ultimately rests with you, the parent or guardian, and we respect your judgment.
Thank you for your cooperation as we navigate the winter season together.