Superintendent's Corner

 

Winter Weather 2025

December 31, 2024

Dear Coventry Schools Community Member,

It is that time of year where at any given moment, a wintry mix of weather or power outages can turn our lives upside down! Student and staff safety will determine the course of action I take during any inclement weather events.  I will take into consideration the needs of families and students when school is delayed or canceled.  We work closely with Coventry Department of Public Works and Coventry Police Department to assess local conditions and we have the ability to utilize the most accurate weather predicting software.  When possible, I will cancel or delay school the night before a weather event or by 5:00 am, so families can plan for the disruption.

As superintendent, I work closely with our regional superintendents and monitor other local communities as well. If there is a need to have an early release of school due to a storm tracking closer or faster than predicted, we will make the decision based on student and staff safety.  Buses will also sometimes run late due to changing conditions or delays on specific roads. We will make sure we communicate any weather related impacts or decisions as soon as possible.

Coventry Public Schools has three (3) inclement weather days built into our instructional plan and up to five (5) Virtual Learning days available. Virtual Learning days have a schedule for students to follow but can be flexible when necessary.  If we have advanced notice of a storm and can plan for it, I will use the Virtual Days available.  But if there is a surprise storm there will be a regular/traditional snow day.  

Any delay or cancellation will be communicated through our emergency notification system, School Messenger, and broadcast on most media sites through the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association Closing Network. We will also post on the Home Page of our website. Visit https://www.coventryschools.net/community-1 to sign up for text messages.

Making the decision to cancel or delay school can be challenging. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Regards,

Don Cowart

Superintendent of School