School Closing Information

During the school year there may be times when one or all of the schools may be closed. In most cases school closures are the result of weather-related conditions. The Northfield Township superintendents have developed guidelines pertaining to these closures and wanted to share them with you. We recognize that everyone looks at weather related closures through their own personal lens and there may be times that you may not agree with the District’s decision. Please know that any decision we make will be made with the safety of the children as our top priority.

Parents and students should assume that school is being held in-person unless otherwise notified.

Priority on Safety

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 buildings can be burdensome to families due to child care and work schedules. We consider cancelling 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:

The safety and well-being of students and staff.
Severity of the weather (extreme cold, excessive snow, flooding, etc.).
Timing of the weather events.
The ability of buses and cars to travel safely.
The operable condition of our buildings.

Please know that if school does remain open and you feel that it is unsafe to send your student to school, we ask that you contact the school attendance office and the student will be given an excused absence.

Making the Decision

The Superintendent of Schools determines when and if conditions at one or more of the schools warrant the closure of school buildings. This decision is normally made in collaboration with the District Administration, other area superintendents, local Village departments, the bus service provider and the Illinois Department of Transportation depending on the condition.

Northbrook District 27 works collaboratively with Glenbrook District 225 and our Township Districts 28, 30, 31, 34, and TrueNorth (formerly known as NSSED) on school closures. Because we have many families whose students are enrolled at both GBN and District 27, we seek to be consistent to create the least amount of disruption. This may not always occur but please be assured it is a priority in our deliberations.

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

Notifying Parents

In the event of a school closing or other emergency, parents can expect to receive an automated phone call, e-mail, and text. It is the responsibility of the parent to provide this information to the school. This process was completed during registration, but must be updated if either a phone number or e-mail is changed during the school year.

School closure decisions will normally be made before 6:00 a.m. the day of closure. This allows weather conditions to be monitored overnight to avoid unnecessary closures. Closure decisions will only be made the night before if conditions are known for certain and warrant closure. Parents should establish contingency plans for possible closures throughout the school year regardless of the season.

Emergency and closing information is also available through the following sources:

School and District websites,
WGN’s Emergency Closings website,
Mass media including major radio and TV sources, and
The District’s social media channels

General Information

School buildings may be closed due to weather conditions or other emergency conditions that made 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:

All District 27 school facilities or an individual facility may be closed as necessary.
All after-school activities and field trips will be cancelled unless specifically announced by the school principal.
All student events will be cancelled unless specifically announced by the school principal.
Athletic events and practices will be cancelled unless specifically announced by the school principal.

Heavy Snow – School Will Be Closed

If we have heavy snow that creates conditions where the safety of students and staff is at risk, travel is prohibitive, or buildings cannot be prepared for a regular school day, school will be closed. Parents will be notified by all communication methods previously identified.

Unlike cold, it is more challenging to determine if the conditions will result in a closure due to snow. More often than not parents should expect notification of a school closure due to snow in the morning.

Severe Cold – Two Possible Outcomes

1. Wind-Chill Warning – Schools Will Be Closed:

Schools will be closed under the condition of a wind-chill warning. A wind-chill warning indicates that life-threatening conditions and a risk to safety exist. Measures should be taken to safeguard life and property immediately. A Wind-chill 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.

General Range – Wind-chills -30°F or lower and wind speeds 10 mph or greater or Actual temperature -15°F or lower

Schools will be closed.
All notification systems will be leveraged to send school cancellation communications to families.
Extracurricular activities will be cancelled.

2. Wind-Chill Advisory – Schools Will Be Open:

A wind-chill advisory is issued when conditions do not meet the wind-chill warning criteria but still cause significant inconvenience. The weather during a wind-chill advisory is not life threatening but presents conditions that may result in inconvenience or pose moderate risk to safety. A wind-chill advisory is typically issued when the wind chill is -20 degrees Fahrenheit or colder AND the winds are greater to OR equal to 10 mph.

General Range – Wind-chills -20°F to -29°F and wind speeds 10 mph or greater or Actual temperature -5°F to -14°F

Schools will be open and student attendance is expected.
Fire and Police will be notified prior to the start of these school days.
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 individual student or family. As mentioned above, if you feel that it is unsafe to send your student to school, please contact the school attendance office and the student will be given an excused absence.