Rainbow DJ LabRas Tafari Inc. · Rainbow Beach Park, Chicago
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Rainbow DJ Lab › Enroll › Weather and Cancellations

Weather and Cancellations

How we announce cancellations, our lightning and heat rules, and what happens when weather changes during class.

How you'll hear about a cancellation

If a class is cancelled or moved, we'll send both an email and a text message to the guardian contact on your registration.

  • Our commitment: when we can see the problem coming (a forecast heat warning, a storm forecast, or a building issue), we'll notify you at least 2 hours before class starts.
  • Sudden changes: sometimes weather turns fast. If we have to end a class early, we'll call or text each family. Children stay with two screened adults, indoors, until an authorized adult picks them up. We never send children home on their own because of a cancellation.
  • No message means class is on. If you're unsure, text Stephen Henry at 872-255-9333.

Please keep your phone number up to date so these messages reach you.

Lightning

We follow the National Weather Service: "When thunder roars, go indoors." The NWS says there's no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area.

  • At the first thunder or lightning, the whole group goes indoors right away.
  • We stay inside until 30 minutes after the last thunder. NWS guidance for outdoor activities says to wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out.
  • If the storm continues, class finishes indoors or ends early. You'll be called or texted.

Heat

Summer classes on the lawn include:

  • a water break in every block
  • shade for the stations and the group
  • an indoor fallback when the heat index is high

Class is cancelled if the National Weather Service issues an Extreme Heat Warning (dangerously high heat expected or already happening), or if a Heat Advisory makes outdoor class unsafe and no indoor space is available.

Please send your child with a refillable water bottle, a hat and sunscreen in summer.

Cold, wind and rain

Fall through spring, classes are planned indoors at the fieldhouse. In summer, if rain or wind makes the lawn unsafe for children or equipment, we move indoors when space is available. If we can't, we cancel.

Indoor space depends on the park

Indoor fallback space depends on what the Chicago Park District makes available. The program is not yet approved, and the exact indoor rooms will be confirmed after our site walk with park staff. See location.

Missed classes because of weather

A weather cancellation is never counted against your child. Skills from a cancelled class are picked up in later sessions through Passport stamps. See attendance and absences.

Sources

  • National Weather Service, Lightning Safety: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-safety
  • National Weather Service, Lightning Safety for Sports and Outdoor Activities: https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-sports
  • National Weather Service, Heat Watch vs. Warning: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-ww