Wheeling High School Closed Due to Power Outage

Updated 3:40 p.m. Feb. 19:

Tonight's boys basketball games (Wheeling vs. Fremd) have been moved to Fremd High School due to the power outage. Wheeling will wear white uniforms as planned. The sophomore game will begin at 6 p.m., and the varsity game will begin at 7:30 p.m. All other after-school activities are canceled.

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Wheeling High School students and staff got an unexpected day off today (Feb. 19) when they were sent home before the school day even began.

A ComEd power outage left the building without electricity or heat this morning, District 214 spokeswoman Venetia Miles said.

Students and staff arrived to the building as scheduled, for the start of classes at 7:30 a.m. But when officials learned that the power outage could last for hours, everyone was sent home just before classes began. Some school buses were still in the parking lot when classes were dismissed, Miles said.

"ComEd told us within five or six hours [power should be restored], so we are anticipating something by 1 or 2 [p.m.]," she said.

It had not been determined this morning whether after-school activities would be held if the power is restored. The school day ends at 2:50 p.m.

"If power has been restored, we might have athletic practices and activities," Miles said.

A notice on the school's website directs visitors to check back after 2 p.m. to learn if activities will take place.

The unexpected day off will not affect the school year calendar. 

Wheeling High School serves portions of Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Northbrook, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect and Prospect Heights.