EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
The Superintendent is authorized to close schools due to hazardous weather or other emergencies that threaten the safety of students, staff members, or school property.
In the event of severe weather, such as extreme cold or accumulating precipitation, District 45 may decide to use a traditional emergency day (no attendance) or utilize our Emergency E-Learning Plan (virtual attendance), depending on the circumstances.
Preparing for possible E-Learning
District 45’s Emergency E-Learning Plan includes the at-home use of district Chromebooks for all K–8 students. To prepare, the district must begin planning by noon the day before a potential E-Learning day, as Chromebooks need to be charged and sent home with K–5 students who do not normally take their devices home.
Because this preparation can affect classroom instruction the day before possible severe weather, the district takes this step only when there is a strong likelihood that E-Learning will be needed. If, by noon on the day before the anticipated weather, forecasts do not indicate the need to send home Chromebooks, an E-Learning day cannot be called. In that case, if severe weather occurs, a traditional emergency day would be used instead.
How we communicate
District 45 notification systems will be used to communicate severe weather decisions to families, including emails, phone calls, text messaging, District 45 websites, and social media. In addition, District 45 provides closing information to the Emergency Closing Center, sponsored by WGN Radio. District 45 will always communicate as soon as possible, but not later than 6:00 a.m. on that day.
Regular school schedule
If school is open with a regular schedule and in-person attendance, no announcement will be made. Families should assume school is on its regular schedule unless notified otherwise.
SAFETY INFORMATION
When children feel physically and emotionally safe, they can better focus on learning. During the school year, District 45 teaches students how to prepare for and respond to unexpected situations. As part of this process, schools regularly conduct school and bus evacuation, severe weather, and shelter-in-place drills.
District 45 maintains a comprehensive safety plan, which is not posted online for security reasons. In partnership with the Villa Park and Lombard Fire and Police Departments, the district has developed safety and emergency procedures for a wide range of situations. District 45 also has a school resource officer. Read more about our SRO and about Safety in Our Schools.