POLICY 8230   Weather Emergency School Closing  

In the event of an extraordinary weather that would prevent the goals of instructional programs from being met or jeopardize the safety of staff and students in the buildings, the superintendent or designee may be forced to close school. An early morning decision to cancel classes will be made at 5:30 AM based on weather conditions at that time or projected for the day and in consultation with village and transportation agencies. In the event of a school closing, an announcement will be relayed by special code to local TV and radio stations via the Chicago Emergency Closing Center. If possible, a message will also be recorded at the Central Office and at each school and posted on our website at www.op97.org.

School closing decisions will be made with the best interests of the students and staff in mind. However, the District 97 Board of Education acknowledges that parents are the best judge of their children’s particular needs, and respects the right of parents/guardians to keep their students from attending school if they feel that particular circumstances warrant an absence. Students who are absent from school under these circumstances will be provided time to make up missed work.

Missed instructional day(s) due to a school closing will be made up at the end of the school year.

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS

When conditions are such that the district must close for the day, before and after school activities sponsored by the schools for students will also be canceled.

If weather deteriorates during the school day, a decision to cancel after school activities for students may be made up to 1:00 PM and will be relayed by listserv and posted on the website at www.op97.org. If parents/guardians do not have access to a computer, they may call the school after 1:00 PM.

A decision to hold or cancel an adult program/meeting on the day of a school closing will be made by the adults involved and relayed to participants by the sponsors of the program/meeting.

Adopted 1/23/08