Severe weather information for parents

This message is a reminder about District 41 snow day procedures, particularly with respect to Thursday, Jan. 15, when bitter temperatures are predicted. No decision with respect to closing school tomorrow has been made at this time.

The decision to close school is made after careful consideration of current and predicted weather and road conditions, including snow accumulation, visibility, wind speeds, ice, temperature and road closures. When the weather is extreme, the superintendents of the seven Glenbard associated districts participate in a 4:45 a.m. conference call to review the current and predicted conditions, discuss transportation and evaluate the impact on student safety and well-being of holding school.

Closing school is a serious decision, and among the questions considered are these: Is it safe to be on the roads? Can our teachers get to school? Can the buses run? Can we anticipate significant delays to the buses? Is it safe for students to be outside waiting for buses? Is it safe for students to walk? Is the weather expected to clear, remain the same or get worse?

The superintendents make their decisions no later than 5:30 a.m. and usually all agree on the decision. If the decision is to close school, District 41 immediately activates its emergency communication plan. This includes sending messages to our parents through our automated phone service and E-News, posting closure notice on the D41 Website, recording closure information in the school voicemail greetings, and notifying the local media. Our many parents who use childcare services need this information as soon as possible in order to make appropriate arrangements for their children.

Although exceptionally frigid conditions are predicted for tomorrow, at this time we do not know if morning temperatures (or wind chill) will warrant closing school. When the superintendents have their conference call to discuss whether to close school, they will be thinking particularly about the safety of children who must wait outside for buses that may be running late due to the weather, and about those who walk long distances. In District 41, we have about 30 buses; we also have children who do not live far enough away to be eligible for bus transportation (1.5 miles) and whose walk to school can take 30 minutes or more.

Regardless of whether school is in session, parents always have the option to keep their child home for an excused absence if they feel the weather conditions warrant.

Thank you for your attention to this message.

In Iowa today many schools were closed and many more had delayed start times. All Des Moines-area districts have already indicated the schools will remain closed Thursday due to the bitter cold.

Frankly, those Iowa school districts are typically tougher than we are about enduring this type of bad weather. My money is on at least D41 not opening. West has finals and that would mess things up. I suppose they could always utilize the Teacher Institute Day scheduled for Tuesday for the testing - after the Monday MLK Day holiday!

That won't happen.

They have already told us that if school is closed tomorrow, the finals scheduled for tomorrow will be rescheduled for next week, Wednesday and the Friday finals will remain as is since many families plan to go away for the long weekend....

Plus, institute days usually involve bringing in paid speakers who will not give back the money if we cancel.

Hey, Fan, I was your age now when that happened in 1994. Maybe one of your daughters will be taking semester exams on a weather-delayed date and my son can get on a message board and call you an old ****** in 15 years!!

Thanks for the info, Amy. Have a great trip!!

What do you all think? 50-50 that school will be closed tomorrow?

Fan - You know the answer to that!! You are the best mentor - and role model. He mentioned that you were very competitive, too, btw.

Buggy - It is looking good - or bad, depending on your perspective!

My kid expressed concern that the study materials for Friday finals are at West. I hope the school provides students access to the building if school is cancelled for Thursday.

It would have made more sense to plan to delay Thursday to Friday - and Friday to next Wednesday.

Monday's MLK day, Tuesday's an institute day at West. Hence the long weekend.

The Glenbards may do something different but our students were told today what the plan was if school is closed tomorrow....I can't imagine that they would want the kids coming out in the cold to get into the school if they've decided to close school because of the temperature.

Hard to say what they'll do. I think it will depend the most on how hard it is to get the buses running.

Where are PM and swamp dog when you need them? They used to walk to school 5 miles barefoot uphill both ways...

Sixty pages of closings as of 6:15, but we are heading to school!!

Facilities closings 1/15/2009

That was nice of District 41 to send an e-mail informing us that school is in session.

Please - everyone driving their kids to school - would you all make a special effort to be be extra polite and patient? We are all trying to get our students to school safely.

Bundle up!!

Please Dan, don't get them started!

All of the Glenbard feeder districts are open. I am amazed! I can drive both of my kids to school today but they will have to take the bus or walk home. I will try to get them to wear all needed gear but we all know how realistic that is for teenagers. I know where I work there are quite a few kids who do not own winter gear and it doesn't matter if they walk or ride the bus/ have gear or not- they still need to be outside for too long in this cold!

GE Fan-
I remember that day in 1994! In fact we were talking about it at work yesterday and were trying to remember if it was during the 93-94 or 94-95 school year.

I can pick up your kids, Mrs.speech. Can you text the high schooler to find my kid after school? My jr. high-er has practice after school but I could still pick up yours if you'd like. You probably won't get this note in time.....maybe I'll try your cell.

quote:

my assistant

Yes, please give Clam the day off on Monday. And tell him to stop wearing those low-cut blouses...it's no way to get ahead!