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Newark Central School District

Every Student, Every Day

Emergency Closing Procedures

Emergency Closing Procedures

Emergency Closing Procedures

At Newark Central School District, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. While most emergency closings are due to severe weather, schools may also close for other reasons such as power outages, water or heating issues, or safety concerns. We encourage all families to have a plan in place in case of an early dismissal or unexpected closure.

How Closing Decisions Are Made

The decision to close school is made by the Superintendent of Schools after consulting with:

  • The Director of Buildings and Grounds
  • The Director of Transportation
  • Local and regional highway departments
  • Trusted weather sources

Decisions are typically made by 6:00 AM to accommodate early bus runs.

How You’ll Be Notified

Families and staff will be notified through:

  • ParentSquare alerts from the Superintendent
  • Our District website: Newark CSD
  • Our official Facebook Account: Newark Central School District | Newark NY
  • Local TV stations: Channel 8, Channel 10, Channel 13, and Spectrum News
  • WACK 1420 AM radio
  • The Newark Police Department, who are informed of all closures 
     

Closures Due to Extreme Cold

School may be closed during winter months if the wind chill reaches -25°F or lower, as determined by our school physician. This is to ensure the safety of students waiting at bus stops or walking to school.

How Families Can Help

To ensure a smooth response during emergencies, we ask families to:

  • Keep contact information up to date with your child’s school.

  • Establish a backup plan for early dismissals, including:

    • Who will care for your child if you’re not home

    • How your child will access the house (key, neighbor, etc.)

  • Inform your emergency contact that they’ve been listed.

  • Notify your building office if you do not want your child photographed or featured in media coverage.

Please be patient when calling the school during emergencies — phone lines may be busy.

We appreciate your partnership in keeping our students safe. Together, we can ensure that every child is cared for, even in unexpected situations.