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Adverse Weather Procedures

What determines if school is open?

The Superintendent makes the decision to close schools or change schedules due to bad weather. When there is indication of possible adverse weather, the Superintendent monitors the forecast and consults with:

a child dressed up as a firefighter and a child dressed up as a dragon walk in a snowy parade
 
  • The director of Buildings & Grounds to determine the accessibility to our schools;
  • The transportation company to determine if buses will be available;
  • The police department to determine road conditions and other factors;
  • Superintendents of other area school districts

     

The Superintendent determines whether the students can safely be transported to and from school and whether staff can arrive at school safely. When schools remain open during adverse weather, the final decision to keep a child home is the responsibility of each child's parents. If you keep your child home, report the absence due to weather; the absence will be excused.

It is our intent to implement e-learning when possible to avoid using make-up days later in the year.

How you can prepare for an e-learning day

Delayed Start

The Superintendent may determine that school may safely be opened late, allowing time for roads to clear and staff and families to arrive at school. All bus pick-up and arrival times will be two hours late. In a delayed start plan, there will be no morning preschool; afternoon preschool classes will run as normal.

Late morning or early afternoon storms present a different set of problems. In very rare cases, such a decision may be made.

Get a full list of Chicago area closures from the Emergency Closing Center

How will we be notified?

Email
Robocall & Text
Website
Mass Email from DPS 109 Communications After 6 AM (if non-emergency): robocall and text from DPS 109 ASAP: Posts on DPS109.org, Facebook & Instagram

 

Please visit Family Access to ensure we have your correct contact information in case of inclement weather.

The Superintendent tries to make the decision to open on time, open with a delayed start, or close schools by 5:30 AM. However, there may be times when the decision must be made later.

Severe Cold Plans