Delayed Opening Procedure

The Greenland, New Castle, Newington and Rye schools will delay morning starting times during inclement weather when it is believed that weather and road conditions will improve. When the delayed opening is announced on the radio/TV and/or School Messenger system, email or school website, all SAU 50 schools will begin two hours later than normal. All bus schedules will run two hours later, and lunch will be served. Schools will be dismissed at the regular time. Please note that during a delayed opening, the morning preschool session at Rye Elementary School will be cancelled.

For students attending Portsmouth High School, New Castle, and Newington students attending Portsmouth Middle School: road conditions in Greenland, New Castle, Newington, and Rye can be different from those encountered in Portsmouth. In the event that SAU 50 has a two-hour delay and Portsmouth schools do not, SAU 50 students who ride the school buses to Portsmouth will arrive at the school approximately two hours later than normal. Portsmouth school officials are aware of this practice, and SAU 50 students will not be penalized under these circumstances.

Cancellation Procedure

SAU 50 schools will announce the cancellation of classes because of inclement weather over the School Messenger system, email or school website, and WMUR television station. Initial notification of delayed openings or cancellations will be made by 5:30 a.m. and/or as soon as possible. If a delayed opening is called, parents and students should be alert to the fact that school may still be cancelled if conditions do not improve. If a delayed opening is in effect and subsequently it is necessary to cancel school for the day, such information will be announced over the television and School Messenger as soon as possible.

Weather (Or Emergency) Related Early Dismissal Procedure

Weather (or emergency) related early dismissals may occur during the school day. Students will be released in accordance with emergency early release information. Public announcements will be made prior to the dismissal on the television and School Messenger.

The Following Television Stations will Report Announcements

WMUR, Manchester Channel 9

Please cooperate by not calling the schools or the bus contractor for this information since it is critical that the phone lines remain open to allow for communications with parents and public safety officials.