Below is information regarding student expectations for remote instruction on an inclement weather day. Links and additional information will be sent by your child’s teacher.

To view the Nov. 2023 Inclement Weather Presentation, click here. To view the Remote Schedules, click here.

Middle School Students

• Middle School students will sign-in for live instruction and special education classes/services using the modified virtual schedule using the links sent by teachers (attendance will be taken)
• Students will follow their abbreviated 9 period schedule (20 minute classes)
• Five minute break in between class periods
• Lunch will occur during regular lunch period per student schedule
• A & B days will remain consistent for an emergency school closing i.e., if the day was scheduled as B day instruction students will follow the B day schedule
• Synchronous instruction will occur during an emergency school closing in a digital format
• Asynchronous and/or independent work will be assigned in Google Classroom
• All live instruction will end at 12:05
• Office hours will be offered by all staff until 12:30 - Office hours are not tutoring sessions but are meant for students to ask questions before independent asynchronous work time
• Teachers will be available on the asynchronous side of the day to answer emails from students (until 3:00 PM)

Elementary Students

• Students will sign-in for live instruction and special education classes/services using the modified virtual schedule using the links sent by teachers (attendance will be taken)
• Preschool and kindergarten will have remain in a.m. or p.m. sections for instruction
• All students in grades 1-2 will follow the same schedule across all buildings
• Students in grades 3-5 will follow a schedule specific to their building needs since we share some staff in these grade levels across the district
• Synchronous instruction will occur during an emergency school closing in a digital format for morning meetings, literacy and math
• Asynchronous and/or independent work will be assigned in SeeSaw or Google Classroom
• Asynchronous assignments will be provided to all students for STEM/ART/MUSIC/PE and Spanish (5th only)
• Pull-out services, reading specialist services and differentiated instruction services will be held on the asynchronous work portion of the day
• Office hours will be offered by all staff - Office hours are not tutoring sessions but are meant for students to ask questions before independent asynchronous work time
• Teachers will be available on the asynchronous side of the day to answer emails from students (time varies based on grade level schedule)

The District uses SchoolMessenger to send email, phone, and text message alerts to D181 families.

SchoolMessenger pulls contact information for these messages from our students’ Skyward accounts. To ensure you receive these communications, please take a moment to check we have your most updated contact information on file within Skyward.

In the case of inclement weather, the District will notify families through the following channels:

1. Emails will be sent to all families, staff and our Key Communicators email list. To add an email address other than what’s listed in your Skyward account, fill out the sign-up form on this page.
   
2. We will post updates on the District website homepage.
   
3. Text messages will be sent to families and staff who have opted-in to receive them.
   1. To opt-in, simply text the word "YES" to 67587. You should receive a confirmation text in response. If you need to add/update your cell phone number in our system, please email dcarrano@d181.org.
4. Phone calls will be made to families and staff only in the event that schools are closed. Phone calls will not be made when a decision is still in progress or the decision has been made that school will be open.

You may also tune in to local media or check the District Twitter at @ccsd181.

If school is to be closed in the middle of the day because of severe weather or another emergency, every attempt will be made to notify families as soon as possible.

The first priority is the safety of the children and adults at the buildings. Students will be kept at school and will be supervised by District 181 staff until their parents or guardians are able to pick them up or until they are dismissed at the regular end of the school day.

If it is safe, students will be dismissed in the usual manner (walk, bus, bike, etc.).

In the event schools are closed, all afterschool activities scheduled for the day will be canceled. If school is in session and inclement weather is predicted for the afternoon or evening, a communication will be sent to all families as soon as a decision is reached.

For students who attend Before and After the Bell at D181 schools, which is a service provided by The Community House, you will receive a communication directly from The Community House on whether services are provided for that day.

In the event schools are closed and a make-up day needs to be made, the District will notify families of a change in the calendar.

The District prioritizes make-up days in the midst of the regular calendar year to optimize student learning.

As a parent, 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, even if school is in session. We know that your child’s safety is your primary concern and will respect whatever decision you make.