Newton Public Schools, City Buildings Closed Monday

As Hurricane Sandy approaches the East Coast, Newton city and school officials are taking precautions to keep residents safe. 

Newton Public Schools Superintendent David Fleishman has decided to cancel school for Monday, according to a reverse-911 phone message and several reports on Newton Patch's Facebook page and Twitter feed. 

There is no official word on whether school will also be canceled Tuesday. 

Newton Country Day School and Mount Alvernia High School will also be closed Monday. Andover-Newton Theological School and Lasell College have also canceled classes.

According to a press release issued this afternoon by the mayor's office, City Hall and all other municipal buildings will also be closed tomorrow, except for essential/public safety personnel. 

"Our number one priority is maintaining public safety," Mayor Warren said in the press release. "We strongly encourage all residents to take precautions over the next few days to ensure their own safety, and the safety of their family, friends and neighbors. All essential departments will be working around the clock to ensure an efficient response to the storm."

City officials have been working throughout the day to prepare for potential power outages, street closures, and delays in services, the press release said. 

In addition, all Newton trash/recycling pickup has been canceled for Monday. Collection will be delayed by one day. 

For more local updates on Hurricane Sandy, check out and bookmark our Newton Hurricane Info Center. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter or sign up for our email newsletters.

In a press conference Sunday afternoon, Gov. Deval Patrick requested all schools, public and private, be closed tomorrow. Additionally, he's asking that private companies allow their employees to stay home.

"Requesting all schools, campuses & early ed programs to close Monday for safety & keep the roads clear for emergency personnel," is a Tweet from @MassGovernor.

Another Tweet: "Encouraging private employers to follow our lead and have their workers to stay home."

The latest forecasts show Hurricane Sandy hitting before the morning commute tomorrow, with high wind and flood watches in effect from Monday morning through the night.

The National Weather Service issued the warnings for Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.

WHDH's Jeremy Reiner said the worst of Sandy should be from 9 a.m. Monday until 2 a.m. Tuesday.

If you spot damage around Newton, you can report it to City Hall by submitting a request online or dialing 311 from any Newton landline. Fire and dispatch can be reached 24 hours a day at 617-796-2100, but all emergencies should be reported to 911. 

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MassEMA) has provided these safety tips for residents preparing for the storm. The city has also listed a number of reminders and precautions for residents. 

According to CNN, school has been canceled for roughly 2 million students across seven states and Washington D.C.

The Associated Press is also reporting that Amtrak has canceled service across the Northeast. The MBTA may also have service delays due to the storm and residents can check the delays on the MBTA website.