The community should assume that in-person learning is in session on normal schedules unless otherwise notified.

Priority on Safety

During 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 closing school buildings to be an exception; we place a strong emphasis on keeping buildings 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

Whenever a decision is made to close school buildings or alter the schedule of in-person learning, 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. 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.

Making the Decision

The Superintendent of Schools determines when and if conditions at one or more of the schools warrant the closing 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. 

Glenview District 34 works collaboratively with Glenbrook District 225, our Township Districts 27, 28, 30, 31, and TrueNorth on closings. Because we have many families whose students are enrolled at both GBS and District 34, 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.

The National Weather Service (NWS) will be the primary meteorological source to determine and declare weather conditions such as snow forecasts, wind-chill advisory or wind-chill warnings. 

School buildings may be closed due to weather conditions or other emergency conditions that made the operation of school facilities unsafe.  All District 34 buildings may be closed, or individual facilities may need to close. When buildings are closed, all after-school activities, student events, athletic events and practices and field trips will be cancelled unless specifically announced by the school principal.

Severe Cold – Two Possible Outcomes

1. Wind-Chill Warning – School Buildings Will Be Closed

School buildings 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

• Classes will be cancelled and school closure protocols will be instituted.
• All notification systems will be leveraged to send school cancellation communications to families.
• Extracurricular activities will be cancelled.

2. Wind-Chill Advisory – School Buildings 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.

 

Remote Learning Option

District 34’s e-learning plan allows instruction to continue, even if buildings are not able to open due to inclement weather or other emergency. However, this option will be used only if the District cannot meet the minimum days of student attendance (a very rare occurance). If the District implements a remote learning day due to inclement weather, we will implement our communication plan to notify staff, families and the community.