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Inclement Weather Protocols and Procedures

There are times when schools may need to be closed due to dangerously cold temperatures. In these situations, wind chill is also taken into account, as well as the extent to which the temperatures are sustained throughout the school day. District 86 has collaborated with the other associated school districts to develop consistent standards. We will likely close school based on extremely cold conditions when an extreme cold warning is issued by the National Weather Service during the times students are traveling to or from school. An extreme cold warning is typically issued when the apparent temperatures are around -30 Fahrenheit or colder.

As we head into the winter months, we want to remind students, staff, families and community members about the process we will initiate should inclement weather cause us to implement an Emergency Weather (E-learning) Day.

Decision-Making Process
It has become more common for school districts to announce changes to their plans and/or operations the afternoon or evening prior to the start/arrival of inclement weather. By doing so, districts can provide families and staff with additional time and flexibility to accommodate these changes. 

District 86, the elementary districts that feed into our schools and District 99 in Downers Grove typically discuss and collaborate on changes to the school day when there is a potential for inclement weather. These efforts include notifying stakeholders if the forecast or conditions warrant additional monitoring prior to making a final decision. If the forecast changes or conditions deteriorate overnight, we will let people know about the status of school no later than 5:30 a.m. the next day. Barring any unusual or unforeseen circumstances (e.g., a significant change in temperature), a decision to implement an E-learning Day will not be rescinded. 

Communication 
We will use ParentSquare (phone, email and text messages) to communicate weather-related decisions with families and staff. With this in mind, we ask parents/guardians to please verify all of their contact information in Infinite Campus. Those who need to update this information can do so by logging into the Parent Portal for Infinite Campus, selecting the More option and then selecting Address Information. 

We will also:

  • Post announcements on our school and district websites and social media accounts. 
  • Post our status on the Emergency Closing Center website, which is a publicly accessible resource that is used to gather information about school closings.
  • Share the information with members of the local press.

E-learning
On E-Learning Days, students will engage in asynchronous learning from home during which they will complete coursework that will serve as an extension of what was already done in class, or act as a bridge to the next day’s lesson. Teachers will post assignments on Canvas by 9 a.m., and students will be required to check in to each class via a Google form prior to 1 p.m. You can access a video about what the E-learning Day experience will be like for students by visiting https://bit.ly/3DCnsdx. You can also access a frequently asked questions document about these days by visiting https://bit.ly/3lHP6j0. This document includes information about attendance, assignments, dealing with possible technical issues and accommodations for students with special needs.

After-School Activities
It shall be assumed that after-school activities will not take place on E-Learning Days. However,  the building administration may permit them to proceed as planned/scheduled based on current conditions. Coaches and/or sponsors will keep students and their families updated on the status of these activities.