Heat Risk & Student Safety
Aug. 22, 2023
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook with “significant excessive heat risk” for tomorrow, August 23 and Thursday, August 24 for Kane and McHenry counties.
In response to these conditions, District 300 would like to provide all parents and guardians with the following information:
What is the Status of Outdoor Recess and Physical Education Classes?
Tomorrow morning, August 23, at 8 a.m., the district will make a decision regarding whether recess and physical education classes for the day will be held indoors or outdoors.
The district will communicate our decision to hold recess and physical education classes indoors or outdoors to all parents and guardians by 9 a.m. tomorrow, August 23.
On Thursday, August 24 at 8 a.m., the district will decide whether recess and physical education classes for the day will be held indoors or outdoors.
The district will communicate our decision to hold recess and physical education classes indoors or outdoors on August 24 to all parents and guardians by 9 a.m. on Thursday, August 24.
How will the decision regarding outdoor recess and PE classes be made?
If the temperature and humidity levels meet the criteria for a yellow rating via the chart above, recess and physical education classes will be shortened and the intensity of the physical activity allowed will be decreased.
If the temperature and humidity levels meet the criteria for a red rating via the chart above, there will be no outdoor recess or outdoor physical education classes during the school day.
To assist in making these determinations, District 300 will review the air temperature and humidity levels available through the National Weather Service for Algonquin.
The image below, captured on August 22 at approximately 3 p.m., displays the National Weather Service's forecasted temperature and humidity for Algonquin on August 23 and 24.
Cooling School Buildings
The District 300 facilities team is closely monitoring the cooling systems for each of our buildings. Cooling systems will be kept running through the end of day Friday to help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. The facilities team is prepared to respond to any issues that arise.
Student Health
Over the next two days, students are encouraged to wear light, loose summer clothing to school and bring water, if possible. Schools will also have water available so students can stay hydrated.
Please note: High heat can be a trigger for asthma symptoms. If your child has asthma, please ensure they have their inhaler in their possession or that you have provided one to your school nurse’s office.
Transportation
Some District 300 buses are equipped with air conditioning while others are not.
Buses that are equipped with air conditioning will run their cooling systems while hot weather persists.
Buses without air conditioning will have their windows open halfway with the roof hatches released to maximize airflow over the next two days. (School bus windows cannot be fully opened while operating due to safety protocols.) Students are advised to place backpacks on the floor between their feet while traveling to maximize coolness, and they are able to bring – and drink – water.
Athletic and Marching Band Practices
For middle and high school families, athletic and marching band practices will adhere to the IHSA guidelines that were sent out earlier this week for fall sports.
The district’s director of athletics has coordinated with all athletic directors and coaches to ensure any practices are conducted in the safest manner possible.
If necessary:
Practice times may be moved earlier or later in the day
Practice locations may be moved from outside to inside
Practices may be canceled
Should a practice or other activity remain outdoors, students are advised to bring extra water, if possible, and stay hydrated. Schools will have water available.
For specific practice information, please contact your child’s coach.
If a parent decides to keep their child home from school, would it be considered an excused or unexcused absence?
District 300’s attendance policy states an excused absence can be a “circumstance which causes reasonable concern to the parent for the safety or health of a student.”
If a parent / guardian determines the excessive heat poses a reasonable concern to the safety or health of their student, it would be considered an excused absence.
Is there a possibility that District 300 calls an emergency day due to the forecasts for Wednesday and Thursday?
Based on current forecasts, District 300 does not anticipate calling an emergency day. However, in the event a school’s cooling system malfunctions or is unable to keep a school at a reasonable temperature, the district may make a decision to call an emergency day for that specific school.
In the event District 300 makes any other notable changes to its scheduled operations due to the weather, another message will be sent in addition to the planned messages pertaining to outdoor recess and physical education classes.
Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.