Winter Weather in the W!
Please review these important reminders and answers to frequently asked questions about how we keep your Wildcat safe during inclement weather conditions. Winter weather in northern Illinois can be unpredictable, and conditions can go from mild to harsh within a few short hours. It is important that we prepare in advance so that we are ready when winter weather strikes.

HOW SHOULD MY CHILD DRESS FOR SCHOOL ON THESE COLD DAYS?
We recommend that all students wear a hat, scarf, mittens, water resistant coat and boots, and layers of loose-fitting clothing. If you need assistance providing your child with winter gear, please contact your child’s building principal to connect with resources.

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE TO CLOSE SCHOOL?
Whenever possible, the decision to close school is made by 5:30 a.m. or earlier. If severe winter weather is in the forecast, parents should have contingency plans in place to accommodate your child or children in the event school is cancelled.

WHAT FACTORS GO INTO THE DECISION?
The decision to close school is based on various factors, but ultimately the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. District Administrators work closely with the Director of Transportation and the Director of Operations and Facilities to evaluate internally that we have electricity and heat in our buildings, and to determine if parking lot conditions are safe. We also check to see if our buses are operational and able to safely travel on local roads. We rely on information from area villages and Lake County about road conditions and traffic impacts. In addition, we closely monitor current and future weather predictions, including temperature, and snow and ice accumulations. It’s important to consider temperature and wind chill in the decision for those students waiting at bus stops. The District uses the Wind Chill Chart from the National Weather Service as a tool in determining when conditions might be too dangerous for students and staff to arrive at school safely.

There is no specific formula, but a decision to close school due to weather is never taken lightly. We prefer not making the decision based on weather predictions, but sometimes this is unavoidable. We also make our decision in cooperation with other area elementary districts and with Warren Township High School and Grayslake Community High Schools when possible.

Woodland District 50 is committed to communicating school closings in a timely manner and in the best interests of students and staff. Weather is unpredictable and conditions may vary, so Parents/Guardians are urged to use your best judgment in determining if your child should attend school.

WHEN IS AN ELEARNING DAY USED VERSUS A SNOW/EMERGENCY DAY?
Many factors are taken into account such as the timing of the weather event and sufficient time for staff to prepare materials and technology devices. The Superintendent may not automatically call for an eLearning Day depending on a variety of circumstances. Learn more about eLearning in District 50.

HOW DO PARENTS FIND OUT IF SCHOOL IS CLOSED?
There are several ways to find out if school is closed on what seems like a bad weather day.

• Check the Emergency Closing Center at www.emergencyclosingcenter.com 

• Visit the District Website www.dist50.net which is updated once a decision is made.

• Automated email and/or phone call, text

• Woodland D50 mobile application 

• Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Woodland50News

• Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WoodlandDistrict50

• Tune in to local radio: WGN (720-AM) and WBBM (780-AM)

HOW DO I UPDATE MY CONTACT INFORMATION?
The district uses an automated phone calling system and sends an electronic message to all parent e-mail addresses on file to inform parents if school is closed. If your contact information has changed, please contact the Registration Department at registration@dist50.net or (847) 596-5682.

WHEN DO CHILDREN GO OUTSIDE FOR RECESS?
Children love to be outside in all kinds of weather, and we will try to give them the opportunity to be outside whenever possible. Parents should assume that children will go out for recess throughout the winter. We will not send children out for recess if the real feel temperature (combination of temperature and wind chill) is 10 degrees Fahrenheit or below. School administrators continuously monitor not only the real feel temperature, but also how the weather may be affecting the safety of play areas around our schools.