Originally at the beginning of the year, Region 16 was set to get out on June 12th. The Board of Education was fearful that, like last year, Connecticut would be hit hard with snow during the winter months. They were right, except they did not even make it to winter before the snow began.
Storm Alfred caused five emergency days for Region 16 in October of 2011. This storm was far from harmless and Connecticut Light and Power reported 4,500 outages within the state of Connecticut.
Every year schools all over the country have to deal with winter weather and how it affects the school calendar. Winter storms are far from predictable.
While the storm took its toll on the state in different ways, many schools were forced to close. Some schools were fortunate enough to be back in session after only one or two missed school days.
However, region 16 was forced to close for an entire week due to no power in Beacon Falls and Prospect.
Due to the amount of days that were lost in October, the Board of Education for Region 16 was forced to modify the school schedule.
The Board therefore decided to get rid of a Professional Development Day for teachers, March 23, and just make it a normal day of school; therefore, making the last day of school June 18th.
The board also decided if there is one emergency closure between December 7, 2011 and February 13, 2011 then school will be in session on Friday, February 17, 2012.
In case of more emergency closings the days will be added on to the end of the year until June 29th is reached.
If June 29th is reached days will start to be subtracted from April break starting with Friday and then working backwards.
While the winter weather so far has been unpredictable and unforeseen, the winter season has just begun.
