December marks the beginning of another Chicagoland winter, and Downers Grove Grade School District 58 is reminding parents of its winter weather and school closing procedures.
When hazardous winter weather prompts school closings, District 58 said it would notify parents, staff and the community using a variety of communication tools. That communication includes sending automated voice and email messages to all parents via its SchoolMessenger notification system. The system will also send text messages to parents who have registered for the service, which parents can sign up for by texting YES to 68453.
District 58 said it also posts school closure information online at www.dg58.org and on the district’s answering machine at 630-719-5800. The district also notifies a variety of radio and TV stations. School closure information will also be posted at www.emergencyclosings.com.
The decision to close schools is made by the District 58 superintendent, who consults with local superintendents, the bus company and police department. Many factors are considered when deciding whether or not to close schools. Those factors include building conditions, site conditions, bus operations, road conditions and air temperature.
“Student safety is District 58’s top priority, but the district also understands that canceling school is inconvenient for students, teachers and parents,” Community Relations Coordinator Megan Hewitt said in a press release. “The superintendent will make the decision as soon as safely possible, or by 6 a.m.”