Inclement Weather Protocol

About

Decisions about closing schools for inclement weather are made by the Superintendent of Schools in coordination with other Northfield Township superintendents and local, county, and state emergency management officials. In the case of inclement weather, our first priority is to use a SNOW DAY and the schools will be closed.

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. Each year we identify emergency days at the end of the year in the school 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. Click here to view more information about e-learning in Northbrook 28.

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 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.

General Info Regarding School Cancelation

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

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. Northbrook 28 recognizes that conditions may vary for each student or family. 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.

Communication

Notification to Parents

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. 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 website and on our social media channels.

Update Contact Information

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.

Severe Cold: Two Scenarios

Extreme Cold Warning (School Closed)

Extreme Cold Warning (School Closed)

Schools will be closed under the condition of an 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 (School Open)

Cold Weather Advisory (School Open)

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. On a Cold Weather Advisory Day:

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.

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