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Winter Weather Guidelines
November 10, 2023
Dear Parents/Guardians:
As we enter the winter months, we would like to update you on some of the factors that contribute to decisions related to closing school in the event of inclement weather, when you can expect to be notified, and indoor/outdoor recess guidelines.
Over the course of the past year, we have been engaged in collaborative discussions with District 214 as well as our neighboring districts. Together, we are committed to a process that ensures decisions are made wisely and in a timely fashion regarding the safety and well-being of our entire school community.
District 23 has an approved e-Learning Plan on file which allows us to close schools, but maintain a day of attendance through the use of remote instruction. The specific circumstances of each weather event, especially timing, will influence the use of e-Learning Days or the full closure of schools and programming. Prospect Heights 23 will follow these general guidelines when shifting to e-Learning or closing schools for weather-related closings:
- Schools will be closed if there is a forecasted sustained wind chill of -30 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, or when the actual temperature is a sustained -15 degrees Fahrenheit or colder between the travel times of 5:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and/or 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. The District will use forecasts provided by the National Weather Service.
- For snow, ice, or other weather-related closings, the District will monitor the current conditions, the forecasted conditions between the travel times listed above, the ability of our staff to plow parking lots and sidewalks, as well as the ability of local municipalities to plow and make streets passable. The District will also be in contact with our transportation company to assess their ability to safely run buses. Lastly, we will consult with our neighboring districts and local police departments.
- If the District is able to make the determination to shift to e-Learning or close school the night before, we will contact you between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. If the decision cannot be made the night before, we will make the notification by 5:30 a.m. the day of the closing knowing that you may need to arrange for childcare or other schedule changes.
Prospect Heights 23 will inform students, families, and staff via the following methods:
- The District will utilize our automated phone and email system to notify families of weather-related shifts, closures or cancellations until 9:30 p.m. Typically, we do not send out a telephone notice after 9:30 p.m.
- However, in the event the decision to close school is made after 9:30 p.m., the District will wait and send out the telephone notice by 5:30 a.m. the following morning.
The District will update its website (www.d23.org), Twitter (@PHSD23), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PHSD23 and the Emergency Closing Center website (www.emergencyclosingcenter.com) as soon as a decision has been made. These avenues will be updated in real time as a decision is made.
Prospect Heights 23 will follow these general guidelines regarding indoor/outdoor recess:
Elementary students have outdoor recess whenever possible. Students perform better when they get outdoors, even if only for a few minutes.
- Outdoor Recess: 10 degrees F and higher (including wind chill)
- Inside Recess: below 10 degrees F (including wind chill)
Students must have boots, gloves, and snow pants to play in the snow. Those who don’t must stay on the blacktop area. Parents should assist children in preparing and wearing appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
As always, the safety and security of our students and staff remain a top priority of PHSD23 and our community. The building principal and central office administration will make all decisions regarding weather-related shifts to e-Learning, closure or cancellation of activities. It is important to remind you that Illinois School Code and District policy allows parents to call their student(s) out as excused in the event that the district keeps schools open because, as a family, you have concerns about your child safely traveling to or from school.
Sincerely,
Donald S. Angelaccio, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
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