Severe frosts in northeastern Poland have led to the suspension of classes in several schools. This action aligns with the Ministry of Education and Sports’ regulations established in 2002, concerning safety and hygiene in public and private institutions.
Legal Framework for Class Suspensions
According to paragraph 18, section 1 of the regulations, a school director, with the consent of the overseeing authority, may suspend classes if the outdoor temperature, measured at 9 PM for two consecutive days, is -15 degrees Celsius or lower.
Schools can also cancel classes due to heavy snowfall that makes travel unsafe for students. While not explicitly mentioned, the regulations include provisions for “events that may threaten students’ health.” Furthermore, article 125a of the Education Law outlines additional circumstances under which classes may be suspended, including safety threats associated with national or international events, unsafe temperatures, and unforeseen circumstances.
Temperature Guidelines in Educational Institutions
Schools have specific temperature requirements. Classrooms must maintain a minimum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. If this is unachievable, the director must suspend classes while notifying the relevant authority. The infrastructure minister’s 2002 regulations also specify that gymnasiums must have a minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius, while changing rooms and bathrooms must be at least 24 degrees Celsius.
Recent School Closures Due to Weather Conditions
Recent data from the Ministry of Education indicates that nearly 600 schools across Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Lubusz, Wielkopolska, and Zachodniopomorskie provinces suspended classes last week due to adverse weather conditions. Students in the Płońsk district of Mazowieckie are aware that they will not return to school on Monday.
Following recommendations from the governor and the Warsaw Education Authority, schools in the Płońsk area have suspended educational activities for February 2 and 3, 2026. This decision affects several institutions, including:
- I LO im. Henryka Sienkiewicza in Płońsk
- Zespół Szkół in Raciąż
- Zespół Szkół nr 2 im. Leona Rutkowskiego in Płońsk
- Zespół Szkół nr 1 im. Stanisława Staszica in Płońsk
- Zespół Szkół in Czerwińsku nad Wisłą
- Centrum Kształcenia Zawodowego in Płońsk
- Ośrodek Szkolno-Wychowawczy in Płońsk
- Ośrodek Szkolno-Wychowawczy in Jońcu
Additionally, the Płońsk mayor has suspended classes in local primary schools, including those in Siedlin and Lisewie.
As extreme weather continues, schools remain vigilant in prioritizing student safety, making use of the legal guidelines available to them. Effective communication between school directors and governing bodies is crucial in managing these weather-related challenges.
