High School District 214 is committed to a winter weather closing process that ensures decisions are made wisely and in a timely fashion regarding the safety and well-being of our entire school community. The safety and security of our students and staff remain a top priority.

Guidelines for Winter Weather-Related Closings

1. Decision Criteria for School Closures:

• Schools will be closed if:

  • The forecasted sustained wind chill is -30°F or colder, or if the actual temperature is sustained at -15°F or colder during key travel times of 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and/or 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  • The District considers road and sidewalk conditions, the ability of staff to plow school facilities, and municipal efforts to make roads safe and passable.

  • Transportation carriers are unable to safely operate bus routes.

• Cold Weather Monitoring: The District will actively monitor relevant cold weather warnings and advisories issued by meteorological services to ensure the safety of student travel.

• Snow, Ice, or Severe Weather:

  • For other severe weather conditions (such as snow or ice), the District will monitor real-time and forecasted conditions during key travel times. This includes assessing the ability to clear school grounds and consulting with transportation partners, local officials, and meteorologists.

2. Notification Timing:

• Night Before: If a school closure decision can be made the night before, notification will be sent between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

• Morning of Closure: If necessary, the District will notify families by 5:30 a.m. the morning of the closure.

3. Communication Channels:

• Direct Notifications: Notifications will be sent via phone, text, and email using the Blackboard system. If a decision is made after 9:30 p.m., notifications will be sent the next morning by 5:30 a.m.

• Website and Social Media Updates: The District will update its website, social media, and the Emergency Closing Center website (www.emergencyclosingcenter.com) with closure information.

• Local Media Outlets: Closure information will also be broadcast on WGN 720 AM radio and major television networks (CBS, NBC, ABC, WGN, and FOX).

4. E-Learning Option for Continuity of Instruction:

• E-Learning Days: In the event of a severe weather day when travel is deemed hazardous, the District may initiate an E-Learning Day option. This allows students and staff to continue learning remotely. E-Learning would only be used if conditions allow remote learning (e.g., widespread power outages would not qualify) and the District opts not to utilize one of its four emergency days built into its school calendar.

5. Parental Flexibility:

• Parental Discretion: Parents retain the right to keep their child home if they believe conditions are unsafe, even if schools remain open. Absences for this reason will be excused, with opportunities for students to make up missed work without penalty.

6. Extracurricular and After-School Activities:

• The District will provide an update on the status of afternoon and evening extracurricular activities, athletics, and community education classes by 1:00 p.m. on severe weather days. Updates will be posted on school websites and social media.

7. Preparing for Emergencies and Early Dismissals:

• Early Dismissal: In rare cases of severe weather or other emergencies, an early dismissal may be issued. The District will notify families as promptly as possible. Parents should make advance arrangements for their children in case of early dismissal, including designating a safe place or alternative guardian if needed.

Additional Resources

• For current weather conditions, forecasts, and advisories, families are encouraged to visit the National Weather Service (www.weather.gov).