The safety of our students and staff is our top priority in making a decision to keep schools open or close schools in bad weather. School closing info will be announced in several places:

• Posted on the District website: www.epcusd401.org
• Posted on www.emergencyclosings.com
• Announced on WGN radio
• Announced on local news television stations
• You can call the District at any time to learn of emergency announcements: (708) 452-7272 and press option 8.

The federal government recently recognized the district’s rigorous energy saving efforts with a prestigious award. Every school building in District 401 earned The ENERGY STAR Label for 2008. This recognition is presented to the country’s most energy efficient buildings. To earn an ENERGY STAR Label, school buildings must rate in the top 25 percent nationwide for energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
 
“We are extremely pleased to receive this recognition from ENERGY STAR,” said Superintendent Douglas Rudig. “For about five years, the district has received quarterly energy reports that show approximately a 40-45% energy savings on each report. Our energy conservation efforts are saving taxpayer dollars while also helping protect our local environment.”
 
Conservation has been an important district initiative for some time. In 2003, the district received an energy grant to help pay for energy conservation efforts that were implemented throughout the district’s facilities.
 
Several years ago the district collaborated with Energy Education, Inc.—a conservation company—to implement a comprehensive people-driven energy conservation program throughout all of its buildings. The initiative has reduced energy expenditures by over $1 million during the past five years.
 
Students, staff and teachers embrace the district’s energy conserva­tion program, part of a daily effort to improve the environment. “We have all gained a real sense of accomplishment from the ENERGY STAR recognition. Our students are also learning what it means to preserve precious natural resources,” Dr. Rudig stated.
 
(from District 401 Focus on Education newsletter)