BOWA Superintendents’ “Weather Advisory” - October 2025

Bethany - Orange - Woodbridge - Amity (BOWA) Superintendents’ “Weather Advisory”

Kai Byrd, Bethany Superintendent

Christopher Montini, Woodbridge Superintendent 

Dr. Vince Scarpetti, Orange Superintendent

Dr. Jennifer Byars, Amity Superintendent 

We are approaching the time of year when New England weather can be very unpredictable and severe. Area superintendents of schools must ensure that each district meets the state mandated number of school days and number of instructional hours in a safe and secure manner. When school needs to be closed as a result of inclement weather, that school day will be made up - typically at the end of the school year.

The Bethany, Orange, Woodbridge, and Amity (BOWA) school districts participate in a regional school transportation collaborative. This arrangement allows elementary schools to dismiss at similar times and the Orange and Bethany Middle Schools to open and dismiss in coordination with Amity Regional High School.  

Whenever appropriate based on weather conditions, when one BOWA school district closes, delays the opening of school, or dismisses early due to inclement weather, BOWA school districts will coordinate the decision to close, delay, or dismiss early. While we are committed to making consistent changes, at times, variable weather conditions, time of weather, or irregular school day schedules may result in a different decision between our districts. A delayed opening for elementary, middle, and high school is typically two (2) hours. In the case of extreme weather conditions, the delayed opening time might change. The BOWA superintendents try to make a decision to close or delay the opening of school by 5:30 a.m., based upon what is expected to happen in the following two to eight hours. Notifications will be distributed by district automated messaging services (School Messenger), radio, television, and designated Internet-based sites. Stay tuned when a delay has been announced since it may turn into a cancellation if weather conditions do not improve.

Although early dismissals are avoided whenever possible, it may be occasionally necessary to dismiss school early due to the unexpected deterioration of weather conditions. In these situations, an announcement will be issued by 10:30 a.m. Weather-related early dismissal times are as follows: 

• Amity Schools - 11:45 a.m.
• Bethany and Woodbridge Schools - 1:10 p.m.
• Orange Schools - 1:00 p.m., Orange kindergarten - 12:50 p.m. 

In the case of more extreme weather conditions, early dismissal times may change. Families should always refer to district notifications and websites, as well as local news reports, for updated information on school delays, dismissals, and closures.

Families should have an emergency back-up plan in place in the event of an early dismissal. Please make sure that children understand where they should go in the event of an early dismissal from school. Childcare arrangements at home or on the same bus route should be made in advance of the early dismissal day since it will be impossible for the school staff to personally contact each parent. In addition to announcements on local radio and/or television stations, parents can expect notification from district automated messaging services. As alternate drop-off and pick-up procedures vary from school to school, parents should follow the established procedure. 

Unless otherwise indicated, when school is delayed, all morning activities and meetings are cancelled. Additionally, unless otherwise indicated, when school is cancelled or dismissed early, all afternoon/evening activities and meetings are also cancelled. The school buildings will be closed.  

The decision to delay, close school, or dismiss early is often a difficult one. During inclement weather when an administrative decision to open school has been made, this is not meant to preclude a family’s choice to keep their student(s) home. Families are encouraged to exercise their own judgment in such cases.