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Mark Twain Elementary School

Empowering all students to succeed in a changing world

Weather, School Closings & Emergency Information

Weather; School Closings & Emergency Information

Two cartoon children dressed in winter clothing, including hats, scarves, and coats, stand together.

Watching the weather is part of the job for staff who work with children, and planning play outdoors is part of their daily routine. All educators know they are responsible for protecting children’s health and safety in outdoor environments. 

Our goal is to have children playing outdoors in the fresh air as often as the weather permits. Children need physical exercise and a change of sensory stimulation that the great outdoors can offer. With the appropriate clothing, children can go outside year-round in most climates. In the summer, children will need a hat and layers of lightweight, long cotton clothing. In the winter, warm jackets, pants, hats, mittens/gloves, and boots are needed. Extenuating circumstances may provide an exemption from recess upon written requests from parents.    Principals use the Child Care Weather Watch chart daily to determine whether recess will be held indoors or outdoors.    If your child needs winter clothing (coats, mittens, hats, boots, etc.), please contact your school office. 

How can you find out if school is closed?

  • Check this website. Closing notifications are posted as soon as the decision is final.
  • Follow the District on Facebook and/or Instagram - this is often the quickest way to get the information.
  • Check your email and listen for phone calls and texts. The District uses ParentSquare to notify all families and staff.
  • If you're in the neighborhood, pay attention to the digital signs at our schools and the District office. 
  • Closings are broadcast on most local TV and radio stations.

Winter Closing Guidelines: District 63 relies on several factors when deciding to close schools and works cooperatively with several area school districts.   

Phone/Email/Text Notification

District 63's parent notification system, ParentSquare, enables D63 to text, call, and email families and staff very quickly. The system utilizes the email addresses and phone numbers parents and staff have provided to the school and the District as their official contact information. Please make sure you have provided your school office with accurate information so you can be reached. This is the primary means of communication in an emergency.