The safety of our students and staff is a top priority of the District. Illinois weather is often unpredictable. It can sometimes create a need for schools to close early or not in session for an entire day. Please know that Flossmoor School District 161 will not close unless hazardous roads render emergency conditions necessary for closing; however it’s important that all families are prepared to respond to an unexpected early dismissal or school day cancellation, if necessary. Decisions to close school are normally made by 5:45 a.m. and will be based on road conditions. Local media outlets will be notified between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. Emergency closing information can be found on the District’s website. In addition, Flossmoor families and staff will be notified via a recorded telephone message.

4:00-4:30 a.m.
In order to assess the driving and weather conditions in the various areas of the school district:

• District 161 administrators personally travel the roads in various areas of the district

• Local law enforcement agencies, and local municipalities are consulted to assess area driving conditions

4:30-5:30 a.m.
In order to determine if schools should be closed, the District:

• Consults multiple weather agencies, including those that specifically consult for District 161’s attendance area

• Confers with administrators in adjacent school districts to determine and, if appropriate, coordinate a course of action

5:30-5:45 a.m.
In order to notify district families and employees of the Superintendent’s decision to close schools:

• School closing information is posted on the District website

• A voice message is sent using the District’s alert notification system to the student’s primary phone number

• An email is sent using the District’s alert notification system

• Information is posted on the Emergency Closing Center website (search the site by school name, city, or phone number)

• Information is provided to the following radio and television stations for broadcast:

  • Radio:

    • WGN Radio 720 AM

    • WBBM News Radio 780 AM

  • Television:

    • CBS 2

    • NBC 5

    • ABC 7

    • WGN 9

    • FOX 32

    • CLTV News