When weather conditions are challenging, we make the decision to open or close schools based on careful consideration of all relevant factors, such as:
Data from the National Weather Service updates regarding temperature, wind chill, and snow/ice accumulation.
Information from the company that provides student transportation about any issues that might occur with buses.
Changes to the weather forecast during the course of the school day indicate if conditions will improve or worsen.
Mechanical systems in schools are checked to make sure electricity and heat are working properly.
District administrators talk with maintenance and custodial staff to check the conditions of parking lots and sidewalks.
Discussions with city officials about snow removal status and road conditions for neighborhoods and streets that are more challenging during times of inclement weather.
If schools are not closed, it is ultimately the responsibility of parents and guardians to decide if conditions safely allow their children to attend school. If school is in session and you choose to keep your child home due to weather conditions, it will count as an excused absence. In this case, you must contact the school to let them know your child will not be in attendance.
If school is not in session, all athletic and extra-curricular activities, including practices, may be canceled. Schools will communicate directly with parents to notify them of cancellations.
An E-Learning Day will be implemented when in-person instruction is not possible due to emergencies such as severe weather, building safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances. On these days, students will continue learning remotely. Please click the link to access our District 209 E-Learning Plan.