When winter weather is upon us, with it comes the possibility of school closings and delays due to natural elements, hazardous road conditions, or power outages. Student, parent, and staff safety is the most important consideration when inclement weather calls are made.
When inclement weather occurs, one of the following actions may be taken. Families are encouraged to prepare in advance for the possibility of delays, school closures, or early dismissals. Having a plan in place and discussing it with your student ahead of time can help reduce confusion and ensure a safe transition if schedules change. This includes knowing where your child will go and who they should contact in the event of an early dismissal.
How Are Weather Decisions Made?
There are many different factors that go into making the call for a delay or closing. Very early in the morning, a team of administrators investigates and monitors weather conditions including temperature, wind chill, and road safety. These observations can begin as early as 4 a.m.
District leaders drive roads throughout the community, remain in contact with neighboring school districts, and review information from the National Weather Service. Because Milford Schools covers approximately 31 square miles, conditions can vary across the district. Roads in one neighborhood may be clear, while others may not be safe for student transportation.
Our Transportation Team also plays a critical role in this process. Since the first buses leave the lot around 6:15 a.m., decisions are made as early as possible, typically by 5:30 or 5:45 a.m., though every weather event is unique. Our goal is always to notify families as quickly as possible so they can make alternate plans if needed.
Possible Weather-Related Decisions
When inclement weather occurs, one of the following actions may be taken:
Two-Hour Delay – School begins two hours later than the normal start time, and buses run two hours later than their usual schedule.
Right at School will typically begin at 8:30 a.m. across Milford Schools in the Event of a delay.
There will be no AM Preschool or Kindergarten if Milford Schools goes on a delay.
School Closing – All schools are closed for the day.
High school extracurricular activities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis unless stated otherwise. Parents/guardians will receive additional communication if activities will proceed.
Early Dismissal – Students are dismissed earlier than the regular end of the school day.
Notification of early dismissal will be released as soon as the decision has been made.
Scheduled school events and school-sponsored activities will be canceled for the evening.
Dismissal times will be communicated through regular district channels.
Transportation and Bus Information
During delays or closures, Petermann buses may alter or suspend regular routes. Families are encouraged to make alternative transportation arrangements if necessary.
Families can also track their student’s bus using the BusZone app, which provides near real-time location updates.
The Milford BusZone code is 45150MEVSD.
For more information on BusZone please click here.
For transportation questions, families may contact the Transportation Office at (513) 575-1563.
How Families Are Notified
Families and staff are notified of delays, closings, or early dismissals through multiple channels:
SchoolMessenger text, phone call, and email notifications
Local Media Outlets
The district website
Milford Schools social media platforms
If a notice is not posted through these channels, school is operating on a normal schedule.