E-Learning Day on Feb. 2 - All D97 Schools/Buildings Closed

E-Learning Day on Feb. 2 - All D97 Schools/Buildings Closed

Dear District 97 Staff and Families,

Due to the current forecast, District 97 will utilize an E-Learning Day on Wednesday, Feb. 2. The schools and the administration building will be closed, and all after-school activities are canceled. Further instructions for E-Learning are included below.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning starting at 8 p.m. this evening and extending until 6 p.m. Wednesday. Based on the current models, the storm system is predicted to drop 5 to 8 inches of snow on our local area. The heaviest snow is expected overnight through Wednesday at noon, creating hazardous conditions for travelers during the morning commute.

Closing our buildings is a serious matter that we don't take lightly. This decision was made based on anticipated hazardous weather conditions and the fact that heavy, wet snow is predicted to fall through Wednesday afternoon. Throughout the day, we have been in ongoing contact with the leadership at Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 and River Forest School District 90, who we collaborate with to monitor the weather and determine the best course of action. By closing our buildings and implementing the district’s E-Learning Plan, our schools are able to provide continuity of learning, while also keeping our students and staff safe. 

Barring any additional weather or travel challenges, we anticipate classes will be back in person on Thursday, Feb. 3. However, we will be monitoring conditions closely, and if we determine that the conditions pose any significant threat to the safety of our students and staff, we may utilize another E-Learning Day. We will aim to communicate that information as early as possible. Please continue to monitor your email, the district website, our Facebook and Twitter social media pages, and WGN's Emergency Closings website for updates about the weather and its impact on operations at your school.

As a reminder, our schools are scheduled for early dismissal on Thursday and Friday due to family-teacher conferences, which will be held virtually and will continue as planned.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

Dr. Griff Powell and Dr. Patricia Wernet
Co-Interim Superintendents


E-Learning/Remote Work Expectations (District 97 E-Learning Plan)

  • STUDENTS/FAMILIES: All students will follow their regular schedule of classes and participate in synchronous (live) and asynchronous instruction using their district-issued device. Information and instructions for accessing classes and assignments will be shared via email, teacher web pages or the learning management system (Canvas for the middle schools, Seesaw or Google Classroom for elementary schools). Attendance will be taken at 8 a.m. for the elementary schools and 9 a.m. for the middle schools. Elementary schools will follow the regular Wednesday schedule.

    Questions? Please email any questions about the E-Learning activities and schedule to your student’s principal or assistant principal. For questions about specific classroom assignments, please email your student’s teachers. Inquiries or issues about district devices or other technology concerns, please send a request to the Help Desk at [email protected].
  • SCHOOL STAFF
    • Teachers: Provide remote instruction and complete expectations, as outlined in the district’s E-Learning Plan.
    • Support Staff: Complete work/expectations remotely, as outlined by your direct supervisor.
    • Buildings and Grounds: Expectations will be communicated directly by Jeanne Keane.
  • CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF: Complete work/expectations remotely, as outlined by your direct supervisor.