- Evanston/Skokie School District 65
- Safety and Emergency Information
Emergency Closing Information
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On rare occasions, it may be necessary to close District 65 schools and centers due to extreme temperatures, inclement weather, or other emergency situations. The decision to close schools is always a difficult one, yet is made with the safety of students and staff in mind.
As an alternative to canceling school, the District may choose to enact an E-Learning Day. This means that teaching and learning will take place virtually and school buildings will remain closed. E-Learning Days count as a day of student attendance and do not need to be made up at the end of the school year. As part of the district's state-approved E-Learning Plan, up to (5) E-Learning Days can be used per school year.
In the event of a school closure or change to the regular schedule, the district will communicate with staff and families as follows:
- Automated phone call, email, and text message via Blackboard mass notification system
- Announcement on District 65 website (www.district65.net)
- District 65 Mobile App
- Emergency Closing Center (www.emergencyclosings.com)
- District 65 Facebook and Instagram social media accounts
- Local newspapers, TV, and radio stations
Please ensure that the most current contact information is on file with the district. Any changes can be made via the Powerschool Parent Portal, by email to registrationinfo@district65.net, or calling 847-859-8065. District 65 staff members can access the 'Change of Information Form' by navigating to the 'Employees' section of our website and selecting 'Human Resources'.
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Late Starts
If appropriate based upon weather conditions, the Superintendent may decide to delay the start of the school day by two hours. If this occurs, schools will open two hours after the regular start time and will dismiss at the regularly scheduled time. In the event of a late start, please note the following information:
- Bus transportation will be provided with adjusted pick-up times two hours after the regularly scheduled time (+/- ten minutes).
- Morning classes at the JEH Early Childhood Center will be cancelled.
- Morning school age childcare will be cancelled; afternoon school age childcare will be in session.
- No transportation to or from ETHS will be provided on Late Start days (students that attend math class in the morning).
- Math class will be cancelled for elementary students that go to a D65 middle school for morning instruction. Students should go directly to their home school at the adjusted start time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Late Starts (English) (Español)
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How does District 65 make the decision to close schools?
There are many factors that are taken into consideration when determining whether or not schools should remain open such as weather conditions and forecast; safety of buildings, grounds and roadways; and the ability for students to travel to and from school safely. The Superintendent makes this decision in collaboration with the district's leadership team. On occasion, it may be decided that school is in session; however, afterschool activities and evening events may be cancelled. During inclement weather situations, the district remains in contact with the school bus company. Frigid temperatures, ice, and heavy snowfall can pose problems for the safe operation of school buses and consideration must be made for the length of time that children may be exposed to these conditions.
We understand that the cancellation of school can be an inconvenience for families and can make arranging childcare difficult. District 65 makes every effort to provide as much advanced notice as possible in the event of a school cancellation or change to the normal schedule. Many of the district's faculty and staff members are also parents and live in the surrounding area. District leaders must also monitor closures in neighboring school districts and take into consideration the ability of staff members and substitutes to get to school.
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Inclement weather procedures (when school is in session)
Students are allowed to enter school prior to the normal entry time whenever the weather is inclement, such as in times of rain or snow storms; when the combination of temperature and wind chill is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit; or if the playground is unsuitable for students to use (i.e. - ice or standing water). These guidelines are also used to determine whether or not students remain indoors for their regular physical education classes, recess periods, and when they will have shorter lunch recess periods. Students may enter early or remain indoors if weather conditions are threatening.
