Inclement Weather Update

Inclement Weather Procedures for 2025-2026

Abington School District

November 19, 2025

Dear Abington School District Parents and Guardians, 

As we approach the winter season and increased chances of inclement weather, I write to provide our plan should snow, ice or other weather conditions impact our school schedule.

  • Pennsylvania school code requires 990 hours of instructional time for secondary students, and 900 hours for elementary students each school year.

  • This means that there are approximately 8 days of flexibility in the school calendar should winter conditions require a school closure, or a shortened school day with a delayed opening or early dismissal.

  • If we are at risk of falling below the required 990/900 instructional hours due to the amount of unanticipated delays/dismissals/closures, we will communicate next steps to our school community well in advance. 

Abington School District administrators, with guidance provided by our subscription-based AccuWeather service providers / meteorologists, consult with other school leaders in Montgomery County (in particular our local neighboring school districts) to make a determination on whether to adjust school schedules in response to an impending storm. Inclement weather decisions are always made with safety top of mind, followed closely by wanting to ensure we are causing the least disruption to our students' education and their families' lives. We may not always get it right as weather in our region can be unpredictable, but school closures, delays or dismissals are not decisions we take lightly, as we know that this can be an inconvenience and hardship on our families

For any potential closures, early dismissals or late arrivals, please review the following information:

School Closures

Abington School District administration aims to communicate a closure announcement as soon as we are able, though often weather patterns in our area can shift suddenly. Closure announcements may be made the night before, but will always be announced no later than 6:00 a.m. on the day of closure. We will make every effort to make this decision the night prior to provide as much time as possible for our families and staff to make appropriate arrangements. 

Please understand that no forecast or weather model is 100% accurate, which may result in a closure that is not necessary; we ask for your understanding and patience as we navigate these situations.

Early Dismissals

Should weather conditions develop during the day that would make travel dangerous, we will dismiss school early. To prepare for the possibility of an unplanned early dismissal, parents/guardians should have arrangements in place for their children. 

Late Arrivals

In the event that school is operating on a two-hour delayed opening, students are to report to their bus stops or schools two hours later than their usually scheduled time. 

*Please note: The YMCA before- and after-school care will not operate on days when schools are closed, delayed or dismissed early

The District makes announcements regarding inclement weather using:

  • Automated voice and text messaging systems

  • The District website and mobile app  

  • District social media accounts 

  • Email

  • Local broadcast stations and their respective websites

  • The District cable channel (Verizon Fios 34 and Comcast 968)

Visit our website for a full list of communications resources and how to access them. To ensure you receive alerts pertaining to any potential closures or delays, please check that your parent/guardian contact information is up-to-date in Skyward. 

Important: Voice recordings and text messages were sent alongside this email to all designated parent/guardian phone numbers in our Skyward system. If you did not receive these accompanying communications, please log into Skyward to update your contact information as soon as possible.

Please contact your student’s school principal if you have any questions related to Abington School District’s procedures for responding to inclement weather.  

Regards,

Dr. Jeffrey S. Fecher

Superintendent of Schools