Frankfort 157-C eNews

Dear Frankfort 157-C Families and Staff,

We are off to a strong start in the second half of the school year. While this winter has brought periods of unseasonably cold weather, it has not slowed the meaningful learning and growth taking place each day across our three schools. Our students and staff continue to show a focus and commitment to our mission.

Winter Weather Assessments

Given the recent stretch of extreme cold, I want to take a moment to share how the district evaluates winter weather conditions when determining whether school will be in session or if we transition to e-learning. The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority and drives every decision we make.

To make weather-related school closure decisions, we review communication from the National Weather Service (NWS). Winter Weather Advisories from NWS are relatively common in our region and are intended to signal caution rather than require closures. If we were to move to E-learning each time an advisory was issued, it would significantly limit our ability to remain in session throughout the winter months. For that reason, advisory-level conditions are evaluated alongside additional factors such as forecast severity, timing, and anticipated travel conditions.

However, when the National Weather Service issues warning-level notices—as occurred on the day we transitioned to E-learning—the likelihood of closure increases substantially. The National Weather Service’s assessment of difference in severity between advisory and warning conditions was the primary factor behind the different decisions made for January 23 and January 26. Based on the forecast heading into Monday, with no expected impact on travel conditions, we remained open for in-person learning.

I understand that these decisions are important and respectfully review differing perspectives about them. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

As a reminder, community-wide communications are sent only when there is a change to our normal programming. We also work to avoid late announcements whenever possible so families and staff have adequate time to adjust personal and professional schedules.

Registration for the 2026–2027 School Year

Planning is underway for the upcoming school year. Registration for kindergarten students and new families to the district will begin after February 15. Updated registration details will be posted on the district website. Registration for returning students is scheduled to open toward the end of March.

Illinois 5Essentials Survey

Next week, families will receive an email invitation from the district to participate in the Illinois 5Essentials Survey. This survey is required by the Illinois State Board of Education and must reach a 20% family response rate.

Your feedback is an important part of our continuous improvement process. Each fall, the administrative team reviews survey results and presents key findings to the Board of Education, using the data to guide school-level improvement efforts. We appreciate your support in helping our schools meet this important requirement.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Frankfort School District 157-C.

Sincerely,

Doug Wernet, Ed.D.

Frankfort School District 157-C Superintendent

Each eNews edition will feature a summary from the most recent Board of Education meeting.
Click the link below for the recap from the January 20, 2026 meeting. As a reminder, the recap is different than the meeting's official minutes. Official minutes are approved, then released to the public, at the next Board meeting. Official minutes can be found on the Board of Education page on our website.

In February, the District will transition away from its current BoardDocs system as the platform is being sunset. Beginning next month, all Board of Education agendas and materials will be available through the Diligent BoardDocs platform. Community members may continue to access Board information using the existing Board of Education links on the District website.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Hindel at lhindel@fsd157c.org.

• Feb 3 (Tues)
• Family School Partnership General Meeting - 9:30-10:30 AM, District Office Boardroom
• Feb 10 (Tue)
• Last day to order March hot lunches on MySchoolBucks
• Feb 12 (Thurs)
• Education Foundation General Meeting - 9:30am-10:30am, District Office Boardroom

• Feb 13 (Fri)

• School Improvement Day - Early Dismissal
• Feb 16 (Mon)
• Holiday - No School

• Feb 17 (Tues)

• Board of Education Regular Meeting – 7:00–9:00 PM, District Office
• Feb 18 (Wed)
• Tiger University focusing on Neurodiversity - 5:30 PM, Chelsea Cafeteria

Below, you will find the monthly newsletter for our three schools at 157-C. Please take a moment to read each newsletter as they have important updates from each school's principal, staff, and teacher teams.

Grand Prairie Elementary

Chelsea Intermediate

Hickory Creek Middle School

The approved student calendar and important dates calendars are linked for your convenience below!

2025-2026 Student Calendar (click link)

2025-2026 Year at a Glance Calendar (click link)

Frankfort School District 157-C utilizes a more environmentally friendly and efficient method for sharing information. Flyers, posters, and media from district schools, non-profit organizations, intergovernmental agencies, and approved business partners are available on our "Virtual Backpack" webpage. This approach replaces the traditional practice of sending materials home via students' backpack mail, ensuring easier access and reduced paper waste.

Click the link below!