Student and staff safety is a priority in District 303 and, therefore, there may be times when the superintendent makes the decision to close school or implement a delayed start schedule. School closures due to inclement weather conditions (snow, ice, or dangerous wind chill factors), or other emergency situations that threaten the safety of District 303 students and employees can consist of a:
Fluctuations in forecasts and shifts in weather events may force us to delay our decision until the morning. It is our goal to notify families as early as possible when inclement weather impacts the school schedule.
The District monitors the National Weather Service for updates about snow accumulation and temperatures, including wind chill advisories and warnings, and event duration. In addition, we assess conditions by:
Should weather impact normal operations of the district, the following options may be initiated:
Option 1: School Closure
Weather-related events might trigger the need to close schools. A closure is called as a means to protect all of our students, staff, and parents. The decision to close school is based upon the following factors:
Option 2: Delayed Start
Late night or early morning storms may prevent us from being able to open schools immediately. The District stays in contact with city officials and other regional staff to be informed of timelines for roads, lots, and sidewalks in and around District 303 to be cleared.
Extreme cold temperatures are also a concern. Temperatures tend to dip steadily just prior to sunrise.
If the District finds that road conditions and/or temperatures will improve steadily through the morning, then we may implement a delayed start.
In a delayed start the District will push back the start time for each school, along with bus routes, by a time consistent with the improving weather conditions (usually two hours). A delayed start also means that all morning activities are cancelled (e.g. practices and drivers education, clubs, before school care).
Due to the transportation requirements of a delayed start, all morning early childhood, preschool, and kindergarten programs (including extended day at Davis Primary) are cancelled. Afternoon early childhood, preschool and kindergarten programs will operate on schedule.
A decision to close or delay the start of school will be communicated with families through the automated email and phone notification system. Information will also be prominently displayed on the District 303 website, publicized on the District 303 social media pages, and appear on local television and radio stations through the Emergency Closing Center.
Option 3: Early Dismissal
In rare circumstances, an unanticipated weather or building event may occur during the school day and the District may choose to dismiss students early. The severity and timing of the inclement weather conditions, or severity of a building event, make it difficult to accurately predict an actual dismissal or home arrival time. District 303 will communicate with affected families through the automated email and phone notification system, and communicate release procedures on a case-by-case basis.