Evanston Schools Shift To E-Learning During Snowstorm

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston schools announced a shift to remote learning early Wednesday due to winter weather.

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Superintendent Devon Horton said the district had already scheduled a half-day for students to allow for professional learning.

"Based on the condition of roadways and continued snowfall throughout the day, this decision was made with safety in mind," Horton said.

Since the school is following its e-learning schedule, schools do not have to make the day up at the end of the year, the superintendent said in a message to the community. Students will have five hours of education, with at least half of that live and in real-time.

"There are many factors that must be taken into consideration when contemplating unscheduled school closings and we know this decision is difficult on families," Horton said. "These include weather conditions throughout the day, most importantly during arrival and dismissal time, the conditions of main roadways and side streets, and the ability of our staff and students to safely get to and from school."

Evanston Township High School officials called on all employees to stay home except for year-round or salaried security staff, custodians, groundspeople and engineers.

The campus will be closed and the district will have an e-learning day. All practices, activities and other scheduled afterschool events have been canceled, according to a message from district representatives.

"Students should check their school email for asynchronous e-learning activities such as forms, assignments and activities that will be used to take attendance, as well as a link to the required check-in form as well as any individual updates from teachers regarding expectations for the day," it said.

Beacon Academy and Roycemore School are also closed Wednesday, according to Emergency Closing Center listings.

According to city staff, more than 6 inches of snow is expected to fall through Thursday, with another 1 inch of lake effect snow for a total of 7.5 inches possible.