As of this year, District 204 has added early release and late start days as a potential course of action in the case of an inclement weather day. Delayed openings result in later start times but will end at a regular time. In contrast, early release times will allow for schools to start at regular times but end earlier. Both options are meant to optimize learning and student safety. Superintendent Doctor Adrian Talley talks about what gave him the idea to implement these procedures in District 204.
“Early dismissal and late opening are somewhat normal on the East Coast,” Talley said. “And so it was last year that, by working with principals and others, we were able [to make] a schedule for early dismissal and late arrival that we could use as part of the decision-making process for inclement weather.”
Early release and late start days would have a two-hour buffer, with schools releasing or starting two hours off the usual time. Clubs and activities follow the regular snow day procedures by canceling any after-school meetings or practices. While clubs, sports, and other activities will remain canceled on an inclement weather day, Talley aims to implement a more flexible schedule when it comes to attending school on a bad winter weather day.
“We wanted to get away from it being either all or nothing, meaning we’re either open or we’re closed,” Talley said. “And we get away from that by having some more options available for us, and those options are late arrival or early dismissal.”
These options allow for more winter flexibility with the unpredictable winter weather, while still prioritizing student safety. Talley talks more about the reason behind using these days versus the regular E-learning day.
“We would want to use those days rather than an e-learning day because we only have five e-learning days we can use a year,” Talley said. “Once we go above 5 e-learning days, we have to add on to the school year.”
Days are added on by either extending the school year further into June or by taking away days in spring break. With only five e-learning days allowed per school year, the district is hesitant to use them with the goal of minimizing the amount of school added on. However, late start or early release days will not count against those 5 days, making them a strong option in the case of an inclement weather day.
Ipsd.org talks about where to find information on inclement weather day procedures, as well as postings for when there will be a change to the school schedule.
“The information will be announced by 6 AM, January 22, on www.ipsd.org,” ipsd.org said. “The district will also make a 204 Connect phone call by 6 AM to alert parents and guardians of the information. Parents and students can also check the Emergency Closing Center for school closings.”
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