I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Thanksgiving break with family and friends. As we ease into winter, I would like to talk about how and when we decide to close school due to inclement weather.
Canceling school due to snow or cold is not something that we do lightly. We place a strong emphasis on keeping our buildings open.
After reviewing the forecast and consulting with D140 Transportation and Operations personnel, the decision to close schools is made in collaboration with other area superintendents. When closing school looks like a possibility, we try to make the decision together and as early as possible.
Some of the primary factors considered are the severity of the weather, timing of weather events, ability of buses and cars to travel safely, and the operable condition of our buildings. Ensuring the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority.
Days that are missed due to weather need to be made up during the school year. In District 140, we have the ability to make up days on holidays (i.e. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, etc.) and/or to add make up days on to the end of the school year. The goal this year is to use the holidays first as make up days.
If school is canceled, we will send out a School Messenger call, text, and email. We will also post the information on our website: ksd140.org, our social platforms, and on emergencyclosing.com.
Please don’t hesitate to contact your building principal if you have additional questions.
On behalf of the Board of Education and the District 140 administrative team, allow me to express my most heartfelt wishes for a joyous holiday season. It is truly a privilege to serve as Superintendent of School District 140. Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Dr. Shawn Olson
Superintendent
Share your thoughts to help improve our schools!
D140 students, teachers, and parents will be given the opportunity to weigh in on school climate and learning conditions by taking the 2019 Illinois 5Essentials survey.
Please click here to take the 2019 Illinois 5Essentials survey.
This survey assesses a school’s culture and climate and provides insight into strengths and weaknesses on the five key factors that research shows are predictive of school success: Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environment, and Ambitious Instruction. School and district leaders use their 5Essentials data to better inform their school improvement plans and help identify key strengths and areas for growth.
Upcoming Events ….
Parenting the Digital Generation - Monday, December 9th at 6:30 pm at Prairie View Middle School. This is a parents only presentation on Digital Parenting, Internet Safety, Social Media, popular apps, and online trends. Please join us!
Friday, December 20th is a half-day. Elementary schools will be dismissed at 11:10 a.m. and middle schools will be dismissed at 12:00 p.m. Morning and afternoon Early Childhood students will be dismissed after 1 1/2 hours of student attendance. Preschool students will be dismissed after 1 hour of student attendance.
KSD 140’s Winter Break is December 20th through January 6th. Classes resume on Tuesday, January 7th.