WEATHER EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
December 2019
STUDENTS AND FACULTY
Because the largest proportion of faculty members and students live on the campus and can reasonably be expected to carry on many normal routines in spite of bad weather, the School does not typically close or cancel classes when conditions are threatening.
At the same time, NMH recognizes that a significant segment of the School population may sometimes find it hazardous to travel to the campus. The safety of our students is critical. We ask day parents to use their best judgment given their local conditions. On these occasions, absences will not be charged against the student’s record. Day students may, however, wish to contact a teacher via email or check their online course system for assignments or other instructions.
Modified schedules for delayed openings can be found in the Snow Day Delay Schedule.
NOTIFICATION
Should weather cause the School to be closed, delayed, or closed early, an announcement will be made via email and text.
STAFF
Because NMH is a residential community, we operate on a seven-day schedule. That means teaching, residential life, dining, and health and safety must continue as necessary every day of the week.
In a weather emergency, such as hurricanes, heavy snow, severe icing, flooding, or hazardous travel conditions, the School may announce a delayed arrival time or early dismissal for non-essential employees. In extreme weather conditions, the School may close for all but essential employees, boarding students, and residential faculty.
The safety of our employees is most important. In all cases when there are emergencies, employees should use their best judgment to determine their own safety when traveling to and from work.
NOTIFICATION
Information regarding changes to work hours due to extreme weather conditions will be provided via email and text.
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Delayed Arrival
If there is severe weather, the School may announce a delayed arrival time. Non-essential employees should arrive by the designated delayed-start time. Employees who are unable to report to work by the designated time should notify their offices/supervisors.
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Early Dismissal
If weather conditions develop during the workday that make travel conditions hazardous, the School may announce an early dismissal. Non-essential employees will be expected to leave the campus at that time so that parking lot and campus road clearing can proceed.
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Closing In the event of a school closing, non-essential personnel shall not be required to report to work and shall record their time as “hours paid, not worked”.
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Definition of Essential Services Employees
Essential employees include all staff who hold positions that are necessary to keep the basic services of the School in operation. They include, but are not limited to, physical plant, dining services, health services and security.
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Designation
Departments with essential personnel should make sure the employees are aware of their designation.
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Work Schedules Other Than Regular Daily Schedule
Those employees who work shifts other than the normal 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. should contact their supervisors to learn if there are any adjustments to their expected time of arrival.
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Extra Service
Consideration will be given to essential employees for their extra service as per the school’s weather emergency policy.
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Late Arrival / Early Departure If an employee chooses to arrive late or leave early and the school schedule has not been changed, the employee must use vacation or personal time.
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Absence
If non-essential employees choose not to come to work on delayed opening days, their absence may be designated as vacation time or personal time off.