DISTRICT 36 EMERGENCY CLOSING PROCEDURES

Emergency Closings, e-Learning, and Remote Learning Procedures

When school buildings are closed due to weather, health, or other emergency conditions, Winnetka Public Schools District 36 may implement an e-Learning Day to ensure continuity of instruction and student support, in alignment with guidance from the Illinois State Board of Education.

This page outlines how families and staff will be notified of an emergency closure, what students and families can expect on an e-Learning Day, and how instruction, attendance, and support services will be provided.

The District’s proposed e-Learning Plan, which governs these procedures, is available for public review below. Parents and guardians are invited to submit comments or questions by February 9, 2026 to patrickdawson@winnetka36.org. The Board of Education will consider approval of the e-Learning Plan at its meeting on February 24, 2026.
e-Learning Plan - updated 2026

Deciding when to close school

The District considers many factors when considering whether to close school due to weather conditions such as heavy snow or extreme cold. The safety of our students and staff is our utmost priority. Travel conditions on area roads as well as weather forecasts for conditions that may develop during school hours are considered. In cases of extreme cold, we also monitor weather reports for safety and consult with our transportation providers about whether they will be able to run bus routes to school. Finally, we consult with New Trier Township superintendents and strive to make a collaborative decision on closures when possible.

Communicating with families

We communicate closure information via Blackboard. This involves a phone call, email, and text (for those who have opted in) and on our website. If schools must be closed, every effort will be made to finalize the decision by 6 a.m. You can also access this website: https://www.emergencyclosingcenter.com/ to review school closures for the entire region. 

Making up school closure days

The first inclement weather day in the District will be considered a traditional “snow day,” requiring the addition of an extra day in June.  If there are any subsequent inclement weather days, the District will shift to remote learning and therefore not need to extend the number of school days any further into June.