Overview

In cases of inclement weather, the Portland Public Schools will use up to three traditional "snow days." Our schools will be closed on those days and students will not be expected to go to school in person or learn remotely. No school meals will be provided on snow days. Those days would be made up on June 16, 17, and 18th. This would mean that the last day of school for students would be Wednesday, June 18th, and the last possible day for teachers would be Friday, June 20. (June 19 – Juneteenth – is a holiday)

If there are more than three days of inclement weather requiring school cancellation, we will have remote learning days in lieu of a snow day. On remote learning days, students will stay home and will be expected to complete academic assignments. Remote learning days will not need to be made up at the end of the year. If an inclement weather remote day is called, the district will make school meals available for families to pick up (see details below). 

Remote Learning Expectations

• Elementary (grades PK-5) – Students will be provided with hard copy materials to be completed at home and returned to school the next day. 
• Secondary (grades 6-12) – Students follow their regular class schedule with a synchronous class session each period. Each class will have a synchronous component and classwork that is posted to google classroom.

Connectivity support 

Technology:

• All 6-12th grade students have school-issued devices
• Materials posted on Google Classroom
• We have partnered with T-Mobile and are prepared to provide a hotspot to any family that requires internet access for learning during virtual instruction. Because we are limited in the number of hotspots available, the devices are reserved for students in grades 6-12 who have unstable housing. Our Technology Integration Coordinator will work with school guidance counselors and social workers to ensure that families have the necessary equipment.

Attendance Guidance

• Elementary: Attendance will be taken for students who return/complete their packet.
• Secondary: Attendance is taken at the start of each synchronous class session. 

*Student absences will be excused on any remote learning day.

Food Service Plans for Remote Learning Days

Meals will be available for pick up at nine school locations, typically from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m:

• Lincoln Middle School – Leland Street, back parking lot delivery door
• King Middle School – Front door, drive-up service available
• Lyman Moore Middle School – Front door, drive-up service available
• Peaks Island Elementary School
• Portland High School – Delivery door next to garage on Chestnut Street side
• Presumpscot Elementary School – Front door, drive up service available
• Reiche Community School – Current building entrance on Clark Street side
• Rowe Elementary School - Front door, drive up service available
• Talbot Community School – Front door, drive-up service available

*Families may pick up meals at any location most convenient to them.

Communication

Final decisions regarding snow days and remote learning days will be communicated by ReachMyTeach and through various media outlets no later than 5 a.m. The information will also be on the district’s homepage banner and on social media.

Staff Work Expectations on Snow Days

The work expectations on snow days are not changing in 2024-2025. As a result, the following are the work expectations for snow days: 

• Teachers are not expected to work. 
• School-year hourly staff may choose to have a non-paid day or use vacation time for those days. 
• Year-round, school-based and central office staff are expected to work on snow days though they may work from home with the permission of their supervisor. 
• Custodians are expected to work and report to their buildings per standard protocols for inclement weather.