Facilities, Grounds & Safety

During an emergency:

✔ Stay Informed

District 33 will share official updates through:

• Phone calls
• Text messages
• Emails
• District website
• Official social media channels

Please make sure your contact information is always up-to-date with your school office.

✔ Follow District Instructions

For the safety of students, staff, and first responders:

• Do not come to the school or emergency location unless directed.
• Avoid calling the school office so phone lines remain available for emergency response.
• Wait for official information rather than relying on rumors or social media posts.
• If reunification is necessary, follow all instructions and bring a photo ID.

Our first responsibility during an emergency is securing the building and ensuring all students and staff are safe. Families will receive information as soon as the situation is stabilized and accurate details can be shared.

Students, staff, parents, and community members can anonymously report safety concerns 24 hours a day through Safe2Help Illinois.

Ways to report a concern:

📞 Call: 844-4-SAFEIL (844-472-3345)
📱 Text: SAFE2 to 72332
📧 Email: HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com

Safe2Help connects concerns with school officials, mental health professionals, and law enforcement when appropriate, helping us seek help before harm.

To keep our schools secure, all visitors must check in through the Raptor Visitor Management System.

Visitors will:

1. Present an approved photo ID.
2. Have their ID securely scanned through the Raptor system.
3. Receive a visitor badge with a photo.
4. Wear the visitor badge while inside the school.

Accepted forms of ID include:

• State driver’s license
• State ID card
• Green card
• Active military ID
• Passport card

District 33 complies with the Illinois School Safety Drill Act and works closely with local police and fire departments to conduct annual safety drills, including:

Three fire drills (including one with fire department participation)
One severe weather drill
One bus evacuation drill
One law enforcement drill during the first 90 days of school

Winter Weather

School may be closed due to severe snow, ice, dangerous cold temperatures, power outages, or building issues.

District 33 considers:

• Road and transportation conditions
• Weather forecasts and temperature concerns
• Bus safety and reliability
• Staff ability to safely travel
• Guidance from local agencies and neighboring districts

Whenever possible, decisions are communicated by the evening before or by 5:30 a.m. on the affected day.

Students go outside for recess when the temperature or wind chill is 10°F or above. Please send students dressed appropriately for cold weather.

Extreme Heat

When temperatures or heat index values exceed 90°F, schools may limit outdoor activities, recess, and physical education.

If extreme heat creates unsafe conditions, District 33 may call a Heat Day, close school buildings, and implement a remote learning schedule. Families will be notified as early as possible, typically by 9:00 p.m. the evening before.

How We Share School Closing Information

If schools are closed, families will receive notification through:

📱 Phone calls, text messages, and emails
🌐 District website updates
📱 District social media channels
📺 Emergency Closing Center

Families may also choose to keep their child home due to weather concerns, even when school remains open. Please notify your school office if your child will be absent.