• The following outlines District 60’s severe weather notification procedures and how we will notify families and staff when weather conditions disrupt in-person learning. 

    School Closings Due to Inclement Weather Conditions

    The superintendent makes the decision to close school if weather conditions or a significant emergency pose a danger to students and staff. The decision to close is based on many factors.

    • Building conditions: Do the buildings have power, light and heat?
    • Site conditions: Is the parking lot plowed? Can buses get in and turn around, can parents drop students off and are the exit doors free of snow?
    • Bus operations: Can the bus drivers get in to work? Do the buses start and do the drivers feel comfortable driving?
    • Road conditions: Are the roads continually plowed and is traffic moving?
    • Air temperature: Are the temperature and wind chill bearable? (See additional info, below.)

     

    School Closing Due to Extremely Cold Temperatures

    There are times when schools may need to be closed due to dangerously cold temperatures. In these situations, wind chill is also taken into account, as well as the extent to which the temperatures are sustained throughout the school day. District 60 has collaborated with the other associated D86 and D99 school districts to develop consistent standards. We will likely close school based on extremely cold conditions when a wind chill warning is issued by the National Weather Service during the times students are traveling to or from school. A wind chill warning is typically issued when the wind chill will be -25 degrees Fahrenheit or colder or the actual air temperature is -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

     

    When Is the Decision Made to Close Schools for In-Person Learning?

    In some cases, the decision is made the night before. Other times, the decision is made very early in the morning, before 6:00 AM. This is totally dependent on the weather forecasts and current conditions. 

    It's not an easy decision and one that has an impact not only on teachers and students, but families and working parents. District 60 has implemented an E-Learning Program so that learning may continue even if our school buildings are closed for in-person school.

     

    What Will the E-Learning Schedule Be if School is Closed for In-Person Learning?

    Students will follow the WEDNESDAY EARLY RELEASE DAY schedule during remote learning days. Teachers will share additional information and Microsoft Teams links via See Saw and/or Google Classroom. Students should expect a 50-50 mix of live virtual instruction and independent work.

     

    Emergency Notification Procedures

    An emergency notification will be issued by school officials as soon as necessary and without delay to communicate when in-person learning is canceled (a decision will be made by 6:00 AM at the latest). Notification will be sent via email, text message and automated phone call to the contacts listed in Skyward. There will also be a banner alert on our website at www.maercker.org. The District does not submit information to the news media or school closing sites.

     

    Does D60 Have a Late Start Schedule if School Does NOT Close for Inclement Weather?

    No, the District does not operate on a late start schedule due to the age of our students and the unique childcare needs of our families. School start times will always remain consistent in D60. However, we understand that some students may arrive tardy due to the weather.