Emergency School Closure and Alert Information

District Communication Process: 

The District strives to notify families of a school 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 a.m and 6:30 a.m.

The District has the ability to send automated calls and emails utilizing Parent Square. Communication will be sent to the contact information on file in Skyward for families and staff via email and phone.

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.

Web Site Alert Notification

School Closure information will also be posted on the district website as a Pop-Up Alert notification.  Visitors to the Website will see a Pop-Up Alert notifying them of the emergency closure.  Once this alert is closed, a small bell will be present on the left side of your window.  Clicking this icon will open up the alert if you need to view it again (see images to the right).

Snow Days and Inclement Weather 

The district’s assessment of weather conditions will begin the day before, if possible, with student and staff safety as the number one priority.

The variables the District considers include the following:

• Local weather forecasts

• Road conditions

• Temperature and Wind Chill-  There are times when schools may need to be closed due to dangerously cold temperatures. In these situations, wind chill is also taken into account, as well as the extent to which the temperatures are sustained throughout the school day. Darien 61 has collaborated with surrounding school districts to develop consistent standards.  We will likely close school in dangerously cold conditions when an Extreme Cold Warning is issued by the National Weather Service during the times students are traveling to or from school. An extreme cold  warning is typically issued when the apparent temperatures are around -30 Fahrenheit or colder.

• If buses are operating, the availability of drivers, and the ability of buses to navigate the roads safely.

• If staff can arrive at school safely

• If schools are functioning properly (power, furnace, heat, water, phone)

• Communication/collaboration with D86 and D99 feeder schools

E-Learning The District will utilize the E-Learning Day schedule during emergency school closures to provide continuous learning on these days. Please view information regarding the E-Learning Days HERE.