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Communications Department

Our Director of Communications serves as the liaison between District 181 and the community.

The District is committed to engaging with its audiences through high-quality, dependable communication through a variety of outlets. The Communications Director also fosters collaboration and alignment of academic and safety priorities with school/community organizations.

  • Supporting implementation of the District Strategic Plan with specific focus on the "Culture of Community" components
  • Providing key news and event updates to families, staff, and Key Communicators through email, Twitter, the District website, and an automated phone, email, and text message notification system (Sign up for our eNewsletter by clicking the green button on this page!)
  • Overseeing communications projects and products for internal and external audiences, including print and electronic publications, such as the Annual Report, Board Summaries, and event marketing materials
  • Collaborating in the management of the District website
  • Implementing surveys, engagement programs, and other community feedback and research opportunities
  • Fostering accurate and well-rounded coverage of the District’s news through press releases, event alerts, and collaboration with local media
  • Supporting relationships with the D181 Foundation, PTO Presidents, the Rotary Club of Hinsdale, Villages, Libraries, and other local organizations
  • Supporting the efforts of District and Board committees

The District’s communication pieces have earned awards for excellence from the National School Public Relations Association and the Illinois Chapter of the National School Public Relations Association.

Weather Closures

Overview

While we do our best to keep our schools open whenever possible, there are days when the weather is so severe that it is impossible to ensure our children can get to school safely. Below is a breakdown of how the District makes decisions regarding weather closures, how and when we notify families, and information on make-up days should they be needed.

Closure Decisions

When inclement weather is predicted, 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., power/ furnaces/heat/water/phones)

Communication to Families

We strive to notify families of a closure as soon as possible. If a decision can be made the day before a closure, the communication will be sent no later than 9:30 p.m. In the event of a day-of closure, a communication will ideally be sent between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. Setting these time parameters eliminates the need for families to check emails overnight while still allowing enough time to make child care arrangements when necessary.

Jeffrey Alstadt

Director of Communications
District Office
District E-Newsletter for Families, Staff, and Key Communicators

If you are a parent or staff member who would like a specific copy of a past newsletter, please email communicationsdepartment@d181.org.

The D181 Communications Department sends an eNewsletter to all families, staff, and Key Communicators each month. Key Communicators include residents, community leaders, local business employees, District retirees, and all others interested in receiving District news and updates. Sign up for the newsletter below.