Emergency Closures

During periods of inclement weather or in emergency situations, our first priority is the safety and welfare of our students and staff. At the same time, the closing of school can be burdensome to families due to childcare and work schedules.

We consider any change to our normal protocol 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 the weather event
Ability of buses and cars to travel safely
Operable condition of our buildings

In instances when the temperature is severe, but weather conditions are normal, the district will implement our Severe Cold Plan. We encourage families to establish contingency plans for possible closures throughout the school year regardless of the season.

We encourage families to establish contingency plans for possible closures throughout the school year regardless of the season.

What should we expect when there is a school closure?

In the event of a weather-related school closing or other emergency, parents can expect to receive an automated phone call, e-mail, and a text from District 30's Emergency Notification System. (This system was tested on Saturday, September 16, 2024, at approximately 1:00 p.m. If there are changes to your email address or phone number, please visit the Forms section of the Parent Portal and choose the option that says “Update Contact Information for District Communications.")
School closure decisions will typically be made before 6:00 a.m. the day of closure. This allows weather conditions to be monitored overnight to avoid unnecessary closures.
Emergency and closing information is also available at:
- District Website – district30.org
- Building Social Media Accounts - Facebook; Instagram
- District Mass Notification System
- WGN’s Emergency Closings website
- Mass media including major radio and TV sources
On the first day our buildings are closed due to a weather emergency - students will NOT attend classes. Only staff will participate in a virtual professional development day.
On the second date of a weather emergency - staff and students will most likely participate in an eLearning Day, if if advanced notice of a school building closure occurs. (eLearning will occur even if emergency days are not contiguous and the second school closure occurs weeks after the first.)
eLearning would then continue for any subsequent weather emergencies that close our buildings.

Parents and students should assume that classes are in session at the standard time unless notified.

How does District 30 decide whether to close schools?

The Superintendent of Schools determines when and if conditions at one or more schools warrant canceling or closing school buildings. Any decision for a weather-related closure is made in collaboration with District Administration, other area superintendents, local municipalities, the district's bus provider and, if necessary, the Illinois Department of Transportation.

District 30 works collaboratively with Northfield Township Districts 27, 28, 31, 34, 225, and TrueNorth on school closings and will also keep them informed on any late arrival/early dismissal actions. Because we have many families whose students are enrolled within District 225 and District 30, we seek to be consistent to create the least amount of disruption to our families. This may not always occur, but please be assured it is a priority.

District 30 uses the National Weather Service (NWS at weather.gov) will be the primary meteorological source to determine and declare weather conditions, such as snow forecasts, cold weather advisories, or extreme cold watches and warnings.

What about an early dismissal?

What is the Severe Cold Plan?

In instances when the temperature is severe, but weather conditions are normal, the district may choose to implement our Severe Cold Plan. We encourage families to establish contingency plans for possible closures throughout the school year regardless of the season. View the National Weather Service extreme cold renaming document.

Extreme Cold Warning - School Buildings Will Be CLOSED

Definition: 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. A extreme cold warning is typically issued when the apparent temperature is -30°F or colder AND the wind speed is 10 mph or greater, OR the actual temperature is -15° F or colder.

District Action:

In-person classes will be canceled, and school closure protocols will be instituted.
All notification systems will be leveraged to send school cancellation communications to families.
After-school activities will be canceled.

Cold Weather Advisory - Schools Will Be OPEN

Definition: A cold weather advisory is issued when conditions do not meet the extreme cold watch or warning criteria but still cause significant inconvenience. The weather during a cold weather advisory is not life-threatening but presents conditions that may result in inconvenience or pose a moderate risk to safety. A cold weather advisory is typically issued when the wind chill is -20 to -29°F AND wind speed is 10 mph or greater, OR the actual temperature is -5°F to -14°F.

District Action:

Schools will be open for in-person learning, and student attendance is expected.
Fire and Police will be notified before the start of the school day of the Severe Cold Action Day designation.
In the case of a fire alarm, school administrators will be given authority to institute protocols to return students to a safe interior location quickly.
After school activities will be evaluated and may be suspended if conditions persist.
All field trips during the school day will be suspended.
All outside student activities will be suspended.

In preparation for another winter in Chicago, we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate weather and other challenges that may develop. Again, we emphasize that student and staff safety remains our highest priority, and we will hold school when the learning environment is safe and productive.

How are activities & events affected during a closure?

School may be canceled for all District 30 school facilities, or for an individual building, as necessary. General guidelines for a closed school include:

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

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