School Closing Information

Midwestern winters are notoriously unpredictable, mild one day and extreme the next. While we have heard many fool-proof ways to predict a snow day — from spoons under pillows to wearing pajamas backwards — we want to share how LFCDS determines whether school is closed or requires a late start.

How We Make Our Decisions

Lake Forest Country Day School's first priority is the safety of our students, families, faculty, and staff. The decision to close the School or adjust our start or dismissal times for an emergency-related situation is based on a number of factors. These factors include available information from the following:
  • Local law enforcement and city agencies
  • Information from weather forecast services
  • Reports from IDOT
  • Insight from our Director of Facilities
  • Conversations with administratorsof neighboring school districts 

In addition, we use the National Weather Service wind-chill chart as a tool in determining when conditions might be too dangerous to safely travel to school. Road conditions and the possibility of dangerously unsafe temperatures are the main factors that drive the decision.

Many LFCDS families, faculty, and staff travel some distance by car and train each morning, and the potential for risk is heightened with exceptionally cold temperatures. We also take into consideration how we can most effectively ensure the protection of students, faculty, and staff while they are at school in extreme weather.

If we need to close or delay the start of school or dismiss students early, parents will be notified by the phone and email information you have provided the school and through information posted on our website.
We recognize that families need to make plans for these days, and we will make a decision as early as possible. To ensure that your family receives all communications, please make certain that your contact information is updated on the school portal at www.lfcds.net.
 
 

School Cancellation

If severe weather or another emergency situation requires LFCDS to close, families will be notified through our Emergency Notification System, which uses the email and phone contact information you have provided to the School. In addition, we will post information on our website and Facebook page, as well as through Instagram and Twitter. You may also check the Emergency Closing Center or listen for an announcement from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on the following radio stations: WGN (720 AM), and WBBM (780 AM), and the following TV stations: CBS, ABC, NBC, WGN, FOX and CLTV News.


Late Start

If LFCDS determines a late start is needed due to inclement weather or another emergency situation, families will be notified through our Emergency Notification System, which uses the email and phone contact information you have provided to the School. In addition, we will post information on our website and Facebook page, as well as through Instagram and Twitter. You may also check the Emergency Closing Center. Classes will begin at 10 a.m., and there will be no school for students in 1st STEP or Preschool.

If your child takes the bus, we will contact you directly by phone or email. Dismissal times and afternoon activities will remain as originally scheduled.


Severe Cold Response Plans

Wind Chill Warning

Schools will be closed under the condition of a WIND CHILL WARNING. A wind chill warning indicates that life-threatening conditions and a risk to safety exists. Measures should be taken to safeguard life and property immediately. A wind chill warning is typically issued by the National Weather Service when the wind chill is -30°F or colder OR the actual air temperature is -15°F or less.
Severe Cold School Closure: Wind Chill Warning
  • Classes will be cancelled and school cancellation protocols will be instituted.
  • All notification systems will be leveraged to send school cancellation communications to families.
  • Extracurricular activities will be suspended while the wind chill warning is in effect.

Wind Chill Advisory

A WIND CHILL ADVISORY is issued when conditions do not meet the wind chill warning criteria but still cause significant inconvenience. The weather during a wind chill advisory is not life threatening but presents conditions that may result in inconveniences or pose moderate risk to safety. A wind chill advisory is typically issued when the wind chill is -20°F to -29°F or the actual air temperature is -5°F to -14°F.

Severe Cold Action: Wind Chill Advisory
  • School will be open and student attendance is expected.
  • Extracurricular activities will be evaluated and may be suspended if conditions persist.
  • All outdoor student activities will be suspended.
  • Any evacuation drills scheduled will be cancelled and rescheduled to a more weather-appropriate day.
Guidelines for Outdoor Recess

  • Students will have regular recess if the temperature, including wind chill, is 15 degrees or above 
  • If the temperature, including wind chill, is between 10-15 degrees, outdoor recess is optional but limited to 15 minutes.
  • No outdoor recess if the temperature, including wind chill, is below 10 degrees 
When determining whether to go outside, LFCDS uses the “Feels Like” temperature. Many weather websites display this number prominently, and it can be found on most smartphone weather apps quite easily. We use the “Feels Like” temperature as it takes into account the wind chill factor.

During winter months, please always have your children dress for outdoor weather — coat, snow pants, gloves, hat, and boots.

SCHOOL CLOSING INFO
AT-A-GLANCE

The primary criteria we consider when making a decision include:
  • The safety and well-being of students, families, faculty, and staff
  • Temperatures: Actual below -15 degrees Fahrenheit/Wind chill below -30 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Precipitation: Snow more than 6 inches on the ground/snow predicted more than 10 inches accumulation
  • Road Conditions: Main roads/side streets not cleared at drop-off
We try to notify parents:
No later than 6:00 a.m. the day of the cancellation or late start
    Parents will be notified by:
    To stay informed:
    If the School is not closed:
     
    Families should assume that classes are in session unless otherwise notified.
    A co-educational independent private school for students age 2 through Grade 8.
    Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.

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    Lake Forest Country Day School

    145 South Green Bay Road
    Lake Forest, IL 60045

    P: 847-234-2350
    F: 847-234-2352