Due to a series of snowstorms, schools across the state have been forced to cancel classes repeatedly. Here at NPH, we have had five snow days to date with a lot of the winter still in front of us.

As of right now, graduation and all other senior events are not being touched. However, if we do get another snow day this year, that might change. Five days without school is manageable. More than five days could be a problem.

The central office administration and the School Committee are in the discussion stage. No one is planning on taking away from April vacation or having school on Saturdays, but the thought of extending the school day is being considered.

There is also a survey on the North Providence School District website pertaining to make up school days. It is only three questions for parents, certified educators, and support staff. The questions ask if respondents prefer that the school department add days to the school calendar to make up for school days canceled and if the school department should add minutes to the beginning of the school day to offset the number of days the district must make up. 15 minutes per day would allow the district to make up three days, 10 minutes per day would allow for two makeup days, and 5 minutes per day would allow for one day to be made up.

Superintendent Melinda Smith focuses on the safety of the students, faculty, and staff the most when it comes to deciding whether school should be cancelled for the day or not. She constantly monitors the road conditions and weather forecasts while staying in contact with Mayor Lombardi, School Committee Chairman, Anthony Marciano, and Jim Fuoroli, Facilities Manager.

She must complete a grocery list of tasks once deciding that school will be cancelled due to snow. Smith told the Cougar Courier, she contacts, Chairman Marciano, Mayor Lombardi, and Jim Fuoroli. She sends the members of the school committee an email and a text message. She sends the building Principals a text message. She reports the school closing on the RI Broadcaster Association Web Site and records and sends a message through Skyward via the Skylert system. She also places a notice on the school department web site and sends out a tweet informing folks of the school cancellation.

Parents can select through the Skyward parent portal how they would like to receive their emergency messages, via calls, text or email. It is important for parents, faculty, and staff to keep their contact information up to date and accurate

The last day of school this year right now is June 22nd, 2015.

Article by Jessica Martineau

Photos by Susan Verry