EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS
The difficult decision to close schools during inclement weather can have a significant impact on families. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority in making a decision to close schools during inclement weather.
HOW DO WE MAKE OUR DECISION?
District 29 will utilize the following data in making a school closure decision:
-Current and Predicted Weather
-Travel Conditions
-Condition of Facilities
-Ability to Safety Staff our Schools
-Collaboration with New Trier Township School Districts
WHO MAKES THE DECISION?
The Superintendent of Schools or designee makes the final decision, based on the above factors. The decision to close the schools will generally be made no later than 6:00 a.m. on the day of the closing.
NOTIFICATION
There are several ways to find out if school is closed:
1. You will receive a communication from the Parent Square application between 5:45 a.m. and 6:15 a.m.
2. A closing notice will be posted on the District 29 website (www.sunsetridge29.org).
3. A closing notice will be posted on http://www.EmergencyClosings.com.
4. Watch for school closure reports on major local television networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, Fox).
5. Listen for school closure reports on major local on local radio: WGN (720-AM) and WBBM (780-AM).
WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?
The decision to close school is generally made prior to 6:00 a.m. on the day of the closing. Notification will be posted on our website and Emergency Closing website as soon as the decision has been made. Our goal is to deliver a Parent Square call/email/text between 5:45 and 6:15 a.m. on the day of the closing.
DELAYED START
In order to avoid closing school in all but the most severe weather conditions, the District may employ a "delayed start" practice whereby the school days will start later and possibly end later.
The decision to close or use a delayed start will be made no later than 6:00 a.m. on the day of delayed start. The delayed start will allow us to conduct school, avoid the problems of rescheduling a canceled day and, most importantly, permit students and staff to travel to school in off-peak traffic or once the weather conditions have improved. The same notification procedures for emergency closing will also be employed for a delayed start.
ARE SNOW DAYS BUILT INTO THE CALENDAR?
Extra days are not built into the District calendar. Therefore, if the District closes due to weather, each day missed will be made up at the end of the school year.
A PARENT'S DECISION
Although the District does its best in this process, we know that often no perfect decision exists. If you do not feel it is safe for your child to attend school, we respect your right to keep your child at home.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Edward Stange at 847-881-9456 or [email protected]