Alerts and School Closings FAQs
Notifications
Central 301 will send out alerts in critical situations, such as emergency weather closures, crisis incidents, and other incidents affecting school operations. The District uses ParentSquare to notify parents, students, and staff in emergency situations. ParentSquare integrates with Skyward, and users can manage their contact information and contact preferences through the Skyward Parent Portal and with their student’s building secretary. Depending on your settings, you may receive ParentSquare notifications via app notification, text message, email, and/or phone call.
What weather factors might cause school to be closed?
Snow
A significant snowfall where the plows have a difficult time keeping up with the snow may cause school to be cancelled. This could occur either due to a rapid rate of snowfall or extensive blowing and drifting snow. In most cases it is the timing of a snowfall that has a larger impact on possible school closures than the amount of snowfall. For example, a significant snowfall in the evening that stops overnight will likely not cause school to be closed as the plows will have been able to clear roads. However, a rapid, heavy snowfall in the early morning hours may have an impact on closing school.
Ice
While often much less predictable than snow, an ice storm can be just as dangerous as a significant snowfall and may result in the need to close school.
Cold Temperatures
As we live in Northern Illinois, there are going to be many days when it is extremely cold that we will go to school. However, there are times when the forecast does indicate that it may not be safe to hold school. The main concern is the operation of buses and children standing at bus stops. There is no magic temperature number, but we look at all of the factors of actual temperature, wind chill, the timing and duration of the low temperatures, and any weather advisory associated with the cold temperatures. Our transportation department is also able to utilize multiple chase buses at various points throughout the district, which are able to quickly respond to a bus if it breaks down so kids don’t have to sit on a cold bus or be delayed at bus stops.
FAQs
If in doubt, why doesn’t the district always just close?
The weather situation must pose a significant threat to the safety of our students and staff to warrant a closure. We recognize that closing school has a significant impact on families as many parents struggle to make last minute arrangements for childcare for their children. We do not want families to have to do this unless absolutely necessary.
When is the decision to close made?
We will rarely close school based only on a forecast. There have been many instances in the past where severe forecasted weather fails to materialize as predicted. In most cases with snow, we cannot make the decision until the morning. We do try to do it before 5:00 a.m. on the day of school whenever possible.
Does Central 301 ever let school out early due to a weather event?
In the past we have dismissed our middle and high schools a little earlier in order to allow for extended time to complete bus routes due to challenging travel conditions before dismissing elementary students at their typical time. We are unlikely to make a mid-day decision to close all schools early unless there is an unexpected and severe circumstance.
Are after-school and extracurricular activities cancelled if school is cancelled?
Yes, in the event of a school closure, all school activities scheduled for that day are typically cancelled.
How are parents notified if school is closed?
School closing information is provided through the ParentSquare Notification System. You may view/update your contact information and contact preferences from within the Skyward Parent Portal or by contacting your student’s school secretary. Additionally, information is shared on the District website and our social media platforms.
Additional Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please call your school office.