Grayslake Central High School

Student safety is the top priority of Grayslake Community High School District 127.  District administration monitors the threat of inclement weather closely and considers numerous factors when determining whether or not to close schools or adjust school start times. Please note that the considerations below are only guidelines and that many factors influence decisions regarding school closures due to poor weather conditions.  

Our goal is to provide information about any schedule adjustments to our families as soon as possible in the event of a weather emergency. We understand that school cancellations require adjustments to childcare and other schedule changes and families need this information as soon as possible.  If schools are closed for the day, Grayslake Community High School District 127 will make every effort to release this information by 5:30 a.m.  If we are able to alert families the night before a cancellation or schedule change, we will try to do so prior to 8:00 pm.  

 In the event that schools are closed or arrival/dismissal times are changed due to inclement weather, notifications will be sent to families through a phone message or email. School-specific information will be provided by building Principals. 

In the event of inclement weather or another emergency, the district may consider several options: 

• School Cancellation: All classes and activities are canceled and no instruction will occur. Only staff needed to maintain facilities will be present. The school day will be made up at the end of the school year. 

• Adjust Arrival/Dismissal times: The school day will be delayed until conditions are safe for travel. Other schedule adjustments such as early release may also be considered depending on the situation. The school day will not need to be made up at the end of the school year.

• eLearning: Grayslake District 127 will utilize e-learning for non-covid closures whenever possible.  Instruction will happen remotely, and students will interact with teachers and staff via Schoology and Zoom. The district is allowed a maximum of five non-COVID e-learning days, which do not need to be made up at the end of the school year.

For more details regarding eLearning, please see this information document. If an eLearning day is called, the district will provide information regarding schedules and expectations. 

If schools are closed or an eLearning day is used, all after-school activities, including athletics and evening events, will likely also be canceled.

Considerations for an eLearning day, school cancellation, and/or schedule adjustment:

• A heavy accumulation of snow occurs, and/or icy conditions exist, especially during travel times to and from school  

• High winds or blowing snow making travel difficult

• Buses unable to run, and/or streets are not clear enough for bus travel

• Hazardous driving conditions

• Power or phone outages

• Extreme temperatures and/or wind chill
   

Extreme cold guidelines: District administration uses the National Weather Service designations for wind chill as a guide for eLearning or school cancellation:

• Wind Chill Warning: Schools will likely be closed or an eLearning day may be called under the condition of a wind-chill warning. NWS issues a wind chill warning when dangerously cold wind chill values are expected or occurring, typically widespread wind chill values around -30° or colder. If you are in an area with a wind chill warning, avoid going outside during the coldest parts of the day. If you do go outside, dress in layers, cover exposed skin, and make sure at least one other person knows your whereabouts. Update them when you arrive safely at your destination.

• Wind Chill Watch: Be Prepared. Schools may be closed  or an eLearning day may be called under the condition of a wind-chill watch. NWS issues a wind chill watch when dangerously cold wind chill values are possible, with wind chill values between -20 and -29°. As with a warning, adjust your plans to avoid being outside during the coldest parts of the day. Make sure your car has at least a half a tank of gas, and update your winter survival kit.

• Wind Chill Advisory: Be Aware: Schools may be in session under the condition of a wind-chill advisory. NWS issues a wind chill advisory when seasonably cold wind chill values but not extremely cold values are expected or occurring, typically with widespread wind chill values around -20°. Be sure you and your loved ones dress appropriately and cover exposed skin when venturing outdoors.

Parents and guardians reserve the right to keep their children home from school for safety reasons. Absences from school due to inclement weather will be recorded as an excused absence on the student’s record as long as it is reported per school procedures.

In the event that schools are closed or arrival/dismissal times are changed due to inclement weather, notifications will be sent to families through a phone message or email. Please check the additional sources for information:

• District website: www.d127.org  or district social media sites

• The public website: www.emergencyclosingcenter.com

• WGN Radio 720-AM; WBBM Radio 780-AM; or watch CBS 2; NBC 5; ABC 7; FOX 32; WBH-TV 9; or CLTV cable for closing updates