D109 E-Learning vs Emergency Day

A detailed close-up of a delicate, six-pointed snowflake with intricate crystalline patterns.

With the winter months here, Indian Springs School District 109 would like to share the procedures for deciding an elearning or Emergency Day due to winter weather.

The community should always assume that in-person learning is in session on normal schedules unless otherwise notified.

The District has two options to exercise when the conditions are not suitable for in-person learning:

E-Learning Day:

ELearning allows instruction to continue, even if buildings are not able to open due to inclement weather. If the District implements an eLearning day, school officials will notify staff, families and the community in a timely manner.

Emergency Day:

However, there may be instances when a weather-related closure is needed and there is not enough time to prepare for an eLearning day. In this case, the District will call for an Emergency day and an extra day will be added to the end of the school year as was done in the past. Illinois School Code requires all school districts to add 5 emergency days to their calendar for this purpose.

How does D109 decide when to close:

District 109’s superintendent consults with some or all of the following institutions and individuals, including other local school districts, superintendents, and contracted bus companies.

The decision to close school is based on many factors:

Weather Conditions and Forecasts: We receive information regarding weather conditions from various sources and weather sites. Weather is dynamic, and no forecast is ever perfect. Subtle changes in the temperature at 4:00 am can result in dramatic changes in road conditions by 8:00 am. To this end, we work hard to gather the best available and most accurate information possible.
Building conditions: Do the buildings have power, light and heat?
Site conditions: Is the parking lot plowed? Can buses get in and turn around? Can parents drop off students? Are the exit doors free of snow?
Bus operations: Can the bus drivers get to the bus company? Do the buses start? Do the drivers feel comfortable driving in the given conditions?
Road conditions: Are the roads continually plowed and is traffic moving?
Air temperature: How cold is it? What is the wind chill? Can children safely walk to school?

Every attempt will be made to make the closing announcement by 6:30 a.m. through the following: