Chicago Public Schools Calls Off Classes, Activities Friday Ahead Of Extreme Cold

CHICAGO — Chicago Public School students will have a free day Friday, Jan. 23, ahead of the extreme cold that is expected to descend on the Chicago-area, with wind chills expected to dive below -35 degrees below zero, according to the National Weather Service.

“We have been carefully monitoring the forecast over the past 24 hours and have determined that, given the frigid temperatures predicted for [Friday] and am [extreme weather warning] it will be unsafe for staff and students to travel to school,” CPS said in a statement.

All classes will be canceled Friday, along with after-school programming, including athletic practices and games. However, all activities will proceed as scheduled on Saturday, January 24.

“Please DO NOT send students to school tomorrow, as there WILL NOT be adults to receive them. In addition, crossing guards and Safe Passage Workers WILL NOT be on duty,” CPS added.

There will be NO remote learning for CPS students.

While canceling school is a last resort, CPS has been working closely with the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications and other city agencies, as well as information from the National Weather Service to help form its decision.

School is expected to resume Monday, Jan. 26.