Due to the extreme cold forecast, District 97 will utilize an E-Learning Day on Friday, Jan. 23. Students and staff are asked to bring their district-issued devices home on Thursday to participate in remote work/instruction.

All school buildings and the administration building will be closed on Friday. After-school programs and activities will be held as scheduled on Thursday; however, all after-school programs and activities are canceled for Friday, including the BRAVO performance scheduled for that evening. Additional details about BRAVO will be shared directly with families and participants; at this time, Saturday performances are still planned to proceed as scheduled.

Further instructions for E-Learning are included below.

Why this Decision Was Made

The National Weather Service is forecasting wind chills as low as -25 to -35 degrees Friday morning, with conditions remaining -15 to -25 degrees throughout the afternoon. These conditions pose safety concerns for students and staff traveling to and from school, particularly in a district of nearly 5,500 students—many of whom walk to school or wait at bus stops—and place added strain on our aging school buildings and infrastructure. By closing our buildings and utilizing our E-Learning Plan, we can prioritize safety while maintaining continuity of learning.

Schools will reopen on Monday as scheduled. Very cold temperatures are forecast to continue into next week, and we ask families to ensure students are dressed appropriately for winter conditions, including warm coats, hats, gloves, and boots—particularly for arrival, dismissal, and outdoor transitions during the school day. Schools will continue to adjust outdoor activities as needed to keep students safe. 

You can access more cold weather tips from Village of Oak Park, including the locations of warming centers, by clicking here.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership. Please stay safe and warm.

Sincerely,

Patrick Robinson and Dr. Griff Powell
Co-Interim Superintendents

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E-Learning & Remote Work Expectations

(District 97 E-Learning Web Page)

Students and Families

Students will follow their regular class schedules and participate in a combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous instruction using their district-issued devices. Teachers will share access information via email, teacher web pages, or the learning management system (Canvas for middle schools; Seesaw or Google Classroom for elementary schools).

Attendance

Attendance will be taken following normal procedures. If a student will be absent for any reason (e.g., illness, mental health day, vacation, etc.), families should report the absence to the school office before attendance is taken, as they would on an in-person school day.

• 8 a.m. for elementary schools
• 9 a.m. for middle schools

Questions about E-Learning schedules or expectations may be directed to your student’s principal or assistant principal. Questions about assignments should be sent directly to your student’s teacher. Technology support requests may be submitted to [email protected].

Staff Expectations

• Teachers: Provide remote instruction and complete expectations, as outlined in the district’s E-Learning Plan.
• Support staff and Central Office employees: Complete remote work as directed by your supervisor.
• Buildings and Grounds: Expectations will be communicated directly by John Pahlman.