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School Closing Information

Emergency Closing Information

In the case of inclement weather, our first priority is to use a SNOW DAY and the schools will be closed.  Generally, our inclement weather days are needed in one or two-day increments.  

Decisions about closing schools for inclement weather are made by the superintendent in coordination with other Northfield Township superintendents and local, county, and state emergency management officials.  

If our schools need to close for inclement weather or another emergency, the missed instructional time will be made up at the end of the year. We have currently identified June 3-7, 2024, as emergency days in the calendar.    However, e-learning days may be implemented if needed, so that the extended school year does not interfere with summer programming, which typically begins the week after the school year ends. 

Guidelines for School Closures

Priority on Safety

We consider canceling school to be an exception, and we place a strong emphasis on keeping our schools open. Some of the primary factors that are considered when making a decision include:

•    Safety and well-being of students and staff;

•    Severity of the weather (extreme cold, flooding, etc.,);

•    Timing of weather events;

•    Ability of buses and cars to travel safely;

•    Operable condition of our buildings.

Making the Decision

Northbrook District 28 works collaboratively with Glenbrook District 225 and our Township Districts 27, 30, 31, 34 and True North on school closings. Because we have many families whose children are enrolled at both GBN and District 28, we seek to be consistent in order to limit disruption. This consistency may not always occur, but please be assured it is a priority in our deliberations. 

Data source: The National Weather Service will be the primary meteorological source to determine and declare weather conditions such as snow forecasts, wind-chill advisories or wind chill warnings. 

Notification to Parents

In the event of a school closing or other emergency, parents can expect to receive an automated phone call and/or text message and email. Parents and staff can opt-in to receive a text message if the phone number is on file as student contact information. Using your mobile texting app, text YES to '60680'. If you wish to stop receiving text message, text 'Stop' to the same number.

An alert is also posted on the District home page www.northbrook28.net and on our Facebook and Instagram channels.

Keep Contact Information Up to Date

It is the responsibility of parents to maintain updated contact information with the school. The district uses the phone number and email addresses that parents enter during student registration. If either a phone number or email address changes during the year, please contact your child’s school administrative assistant to update.

School closures are normally declared before 6 a.m. This allows weather conditions to be monitored overnight to avoid unnecessary closures. Closure decisions will only be made the night before school if conditions are known with certainty to warrant closure. Parents should establish plans for possible closures throughout the school year, regardless of the season.

General Information Regarding School Cancellation

School may be canceled due to weather conditions or other emergency conditions that make the operation of school facilities unsafe. In extreme conditions or due to large-scale damage, the Superintendent may close all buildings and cancel all events. General guidelines include:

  • School may be canceled for all District 28 school facilities or an individual facility as necessary.

When School is Cancelled:

  • All after-school activities and field trips will be canceled unless specifically announced by the school.
  • All student events will be canceled unless specifically announced by the school.
  • Athletic events and practices will be canceled unless specifically announced by the school.
  • Non-district events that have event contracts to use district facilities will be canceled unless announced by the school.

  • The State of Illinois allows for a school district to implement e-learning days in lieu of the district’s scheduled emergency days for situations that would otherwise cause a school district to close down its operations, such as for inclement weather (excessive snow, blizzard, extreme cold, etc.) or other emergency. The district has also set aside emergency days at the end of the school year that would be used if school has an emergency closing. In general, e-learning would be implemented if school is required to be closed for multiple days. Creating an e-learning plan does not guarantee that e-learning will be used in lieu of an emergency day.

Severe Cold – Two Possible Outcomes

Extreme Cold Warning – Schools Will Be Closed

Definition:

Schools will be closed under the condition of a Extreme Cold Warning issued by the National Weather Service.  An Extreme Cold Warning indicates that life-threatening conditions and a risk to safety exist.  Measures should be taken to safeguard life and property immediately.  An Extreme Cold Warning is typically issued when the wind chill will be -30 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, and the winds are greater than or equal to 10 mph, OR the actual temperature is -15° F.

Cold Weather Advisory – Schools Will Be Open

Definition:

A Cold Weather Advisory is issued by the National Weather Service when conditions do not meet the Extreme Cold Warning criteria but still cause significant inconvenience.  The weather during a Cold Weather Advisory is generally not life-threatening but presents conditions that may pose a moderate risk to safety.  A Cold Weather Advisory is typically issued when the wind chill is -20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder, AND the winds are greater or equal to 10 mph.

District Action:

  • Schools will be open.
  • Fire and Police will be notified prior to the start of these school days.
  • In the event of a fire alarm, school administrators have the authority to relocate students and staff from outside the building to a safe location within the building.  In the event of an evacuation, administrators will institute parallel evacuation protocols to return students to a safe interior location.
  • Extracurricular activities will be evaluated and may be suspended if conditions persist.
  • All outside student activities will be suspended. 

Family Situation

Whenever a decision is made to cancel school or alter the school day, it is based on the general safety conditions for all students and staff.  The District recognizes that conditions may vary for each student or family.  As mentioned above, if you feel that it is unsafe to send your child to school, please contact the school attendance office, and the student will be given an excused absence.

As we prepare for another Chicago winter, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through the challenges posed by the weather. Again, the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.