Inclement Weather Information and FAQs

As we gear up for another midwestern winter, we’d like to remind you about Huntley 158’s inclement weather protocols. Our goal is always to keep schools open, run a normal schedule, and provide in-person learning when possible. However, should inclement weather prevent this from happening, below are scenarios that could occur: 

• Traditional Snow Day / No School
• Delayed Start (2-hour delay; ECC not in session; LIGHT moves to e-learning)
• E-Learning Day

The district will notify families about any changes to the school day by email, phone call and text message as early as possible and typically no later than 5:00 a.m. This information will also be posted on the district website and social media channels.

Traditional Snow Day  

If a traditional snow day is called there will be no school for staff or students. The day is required to be made up at the end of the school year. If one snow day is called, Thursday, May 23rd would be the make-up day. If two snow days are called, Friday May 24th would be the make-up day, etc. Please refer to the 2023-24 school calendar for more information.

Delayed Start 

If weather conditions are expected to improve and travel conditions would be clear shortly after the start of the day, schools will follow a 2-hour delayed start as outlined below. Buses will run on a 2-hour delay. (Please refer to your bus time in Powerschool and push back the time by two hours for morning pick-up time.) 

Please note that if there is a delayed start, there will be no school for ECC students, but “on my own” activities will be provided by email. LIGHT students will shift to e-learning. See schedule below.

Schedule

• HHS: 9:30 a.m. – 2:26 p.m.
• Marlowe and Heineman Middle Schools: 9:30 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.
• Martin Elementary School: 10:00 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.
• Chesak, Conley, Leggee and Mackeben Elementary Schools: 10:30 a.m. – 3:25 p.m.
• LIGHT (e-learning): 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

E-Learning Day

Rather than exercising traditional snow days that need to be made up at the end of the year, the district may opt to utilize our state-approved e-learning plan for a day of remote learning if snow, ice and/or cold temperatures prevent us from holding a normal day of school. Please take a moment to review the schedules and expectations below:

Schedule

Students will participate in a modified schedule on e-learning days, which will include five (5) hours of instruction time, as required by the state. Teachers will also be available for student support during regular school hours. Please see the schedules below:

• Elementary Schedule (Grades K-5): 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Teachers available for student support from 8:30 a.m. – 3:25 p.m. Classroom teachers will provide the daily schedule, which includes literacy, math, related services (if needed), interventions, and Specials.  
• ECC Schedule (click the link to view)
• Secondary Schedule (Grades 6-12): 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Teachers available for student support from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• LIGHT Schedule: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Teachers available for student support from 7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Attendance

Attendance will be taken normally for all students. A student must attend classes at their scheduled time to be considered present.

Instruction

Instruction during an e-learning may include a mix between live instruction and independent activities for all grade levels.

• Elementary: The student schedule will include a 5-hour day, which will include a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities for core classes, specials, and P.E. Students will receive a minimum of 2.5 hours of live instruction throughout the day. Relevant information and activities will be posted on SeeSaw or Google Classroom (teacher choice) by 8:20 a.m. and will be accompanied by a communication from the teacher to the parent email.
• Secondary: The student schedule will include a 5-hour day, where students will have access to learning for their full course schedule in all classes, including electives and P.E. Teachers will provide an element of live instruction during each class period and will post all relevant assignments and asynchronous activities on Schoology. Students should communicate directly with their teachers if they have questions regarding the expectations in each class.
• Special Services & MTSS Supports: All students who receive related services and MTSS supports will continue to receive their scheduled support on an e-learning day. This information will be provided to families by teachers, related service providers, and/or case managers. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

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 bearing on school 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 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.

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, when predicted wind chill is -30 or lower we will begin to examine closing school. The main concern is the operation of buses and kids 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 snap. 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.

If in doubt, why doesn’t the district always just close?
The weather situation needs to warrant a closure. If we closed school every time there is snow on the streets or it is cold, we would have many snow days each year. Also, closing school has a significant impact on families, as many parents would have to make last-minute childcare arrangements for their children. We do not want families to have to do this unless it is absolutely necessary.

When is the decision to close made?
We will rarely close school based solely on a forecast. There have been too many instances in the past where severe inclement 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. whenever possible. If it is a temperature related decision, it could potentially be made the evening before.

Does the District ever let school out early due to a weather event?
We do not want to ever say never, but this would only happen the direst of circumstances. First, when school is dismissed early, there is always concern that some parents may not receive the information or be able to make immediate childcare arrangements for their children. We would not want to drop off a young child to an empty house. Second, many of our buses run routes throughout the day. Thus, they are not all available should we have to dismiss early.

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 also are cancelled.

How are parents notified if school is closed?
School closing information is provided through the SwiftReach SwiftK12 (formerly Alert Solutions) Notification System.
You may view/update your contact information and contact preferences from within the PowerSchool Parent Portal by clicking “SwiftReach SwiftK12” under “Alerting” on the left.

Click here for directions on managing your contact information and preferences in SwiftReach SwiftK12.

Additional Questions?
If you have any questions or concerns, please call the District 158 administrative office at (847) 659-6158.
Closing information is also posted to the District 158 website at www.huntley158.org.