Excessive heat is forecasted on Monday, Aug. 26, and Tuesday, Aug. 27.
At this time, we expect that schools will remain open both days. If that changes, all staff and families will be notified. All district-sponsored after-school sports/activities are canceled out of an abundance of caution. This decision does not impact indoor after-care programs, such as Hephzibah. Those programs will communicate additional information with families directly, if needed.
Below you will find information about the district’s preventative measures, as well as tips and resources for managing the excessive heat. Your school may follow-up with additional building-specific information.
Thank you for your care and collaboration every day, and especially as our community works together to keep each other safe and healthy during this excessive heat.
Sincerely,
Your D97 Team
What We Are Doing as a D97 Team
- Providing safe learning spaces
- While most of our classrooms have air conditioning, schools may need to temporarily move classes without air conditioning into cool common areas (library, auditorium, cafeteria, etc.) and utilize portable air conditioning units.
- Keeping classrooms as cool as possible by drawing shades and turning off overhead lights when they are not needed.
- While most of our classrooms have air conditioning, schools may need to temporarily move classes without air conditioning into cool common areas (library, auditorium, cafeteria, etc.) and utilize portable air conditioning units.
- Keeping everyone hydrated
- We encourage everyone to bring full water bottles to school. Water breaks will be provided throughout the day.
- We encourage everyone to bring full water bottles to school. Water breaks will be provided throughout the day.
- Limiting time outdoors
- Physical education classes and recess will be held indoors.
- Before- and after-school sports practices/activities will be canceled out of an abundance of caution.
- Physical education classes and recess will be held indoors.
- Monitoring student health
- Each of our 10 schools has a dedicated nurse who is available to support students.
- Staff will be attentive to students’ needs throughout the day.
- Each of our 10 schools has a dedicated nurse who is available to support students.
What You Can Do as An Individual
- Students and staff should come to school with full, reusable water bottles.
- Students and staff are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommends light, light-colored, loose-fitting garments, as they reflect heat and sunlight.
- Everyone should plan ahead for safe travel before and after school.
- Please ensure prompt drop-offs and pick-ups so students are not lingering outside for extended periods.
- Walkers should stay hydrated and walk in shaded areas as much as possible.
- Please be aware that Lakeview’s large buses do not have air conditioning.
- Due to the forecast, there may be increased vehicle traffic during arrival and dismissal. Please help keep our school communities safe by being vigilant, following all posted safety signs/signals, and allowing extra time for travel. Schools will be understanding if students are tardy.
- Follow weather guidance provided by the Village of Oak Park to keep your family safe.