District 103

Dear District 103 Families,

With winter weather arriving soon, we want to be sure you receive our weather-related communications.

1. In the event of a school emergency, we contact parents and staff through email, text message, and phone call.

2. We will also post a notification on our website of any weather related emergencies.

3. On Friday, October 25, we will test the phone call and text message systems to make sure you are receiving these communications. If you do not receive a phone call or text message, and you would like to receive one, please email communications@d103.org with your child’s name and grade level.

Reviewing these communications will help us keep you informed about the decision-making process in the event of a school closure. As an elementary district serving young children, we recognize that you rely on us to keep our schools open, providing it is safe to do so.

On a severe weather morning, we begin to assess conditions the day before, with student safety as our number one priority. The variables we consider include the following:

• Local weather forecasts.

• Road conditions.

• Temperature (-20° F or colder) and Wind Chill (A wind chill of -35° F is dangerous as exposure for more than 20–30 minutes makes skin susceptible to frostbite.)

• If buses are operating, if drivers are available, and if buses can navigate the roads safely

• If our staff can arrive at school safely.

• If our school buildings are functioning properly (e.g., furnaces/heat/water/no frozen or burst pipes/phones working.)

The Stevenson High School District 125 Consortium of superintendents communicate by 4:45 a.m. on the day of inclement weather to share information. Although circumstances may result in all of the consortium elementary districts closing, the final decision rests with the superintendent in each district. Stevenson High School rarely closes because many of its students have access to alternative transportation options.

Using existing contact information (e.g., home phone, cell phone, email address) in the PowerSchool parent portal, District 103 will notify parents and staff through our communication platform, Blackboard. That system will call, text, and email families with the information regarding school closures.

Another form of notification is through television and radio stations, which will broadcast school closings. Please note: These broadcasts may only update this information in 30-minute intervals. The district also posts school closings or late arrival changes on its website.

E-learning may or may not be available when there is a school closure due to the availability of materials, the nature of the closure, and timing. You will be notified as to whether or not E-learning can be accommodated for the day. For questions about the E-learning procedures, please read the Frequently Asked Questions Google Doc.

An alternative to closing schools could be implementing the Late Arrival Procedure, which would be determined by 5:00 a.m. We would use the same notification system as described above to notify parents that a late arrival has been put into effect for students.

District 103’s Late Arrival Procedure provides us with the opportunity to hold school during severe weather conditions when it is safe to transport students to school later than the usual start times.

Based on the adult supervision requirements for the age of students we serve in District 103, it will be extremely rare for us to dismiss students early from school, once they have arrived for the day. However, if an early dismissal decision is made, we will notify families by 12:00 p.m. of that day.

As a parent or guardian, you have the best perspective to determine the right course of action for your child based on your family circumstances. On severe weather days, you may decide to transport your child to school or determine that you want to keep your child at home. We know that your child’s safety is your primary concern and we will respect whatever decision you make.

We appreciate your continued support as we move into the winter months.

Thank you for your partnership in growing our Leaders in Learning.

Sincerely,

Scott Warren, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Lincolnshire-Prairie View School District 103

D103 Upcoming Events

Email: ask103@d103.org
Website: www.d103.org
Location: 111 Barclay Blvd, Lincolnshire, IL 60069, USA
Phone: 847-295-4030
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