Providence Catholic HS, New Lenox D122 Opt For E-Learning Ahead Of Extreme Cold

NEW LENOX, IL — Providence Catholic High School will also shift to e-learning Friday, Jan. 23, joining New Lenox District 122 students who will stay home and attend classes online ahead of anticipated extreme cold Friday, Jan. 23, the school announced.

Providence announced the decision via social media, encouraging students to "stay in those pj’s, get your computer, and take part in classes from home!"

New Lenox District 122 issued word of its decision around noon.

"While making the decision to shift to E-Learning in advance is never easy, the safety of our students, staff, and families remains our highest priority," Superintendent Lori Motsch said in a notice to families.

Dangerously cold wind chills as low as 40 below zero are expected for the Chicago area on Friday, according to the National Weather Service. An extreme cold warning has been issued from 3 a.m. to noon on Friday for the area.

The weather service said there is a high confidence in a period of bitter cold with dangerous wind chills from Thursday night through Saturday morning. There is still some uncertainty on just how extreme the cold will be.

The cold will begin Thursday night, when temperatures could get as low as -14, and wind chills could be as low as 40 below zero. The cold continues into Friday morning, and by Friday afternoon, wind chills could still be as low as 25 below zero, according to the weather service.

Saturday morning will see a high of -2 degrees, and wind chills as low as 10 below zero will continue into Saturday afternoon.

Winds will also gust as high as 25 mph on Thursday night into Friday morning, according to the current forecast.

"Some areas will likely see actual temps remain below zero all day Friday," the weather service said.
The weather service advised staying indoors if possible, bringing pets indoors and letting faucets drip slowly to prevent frozen or burst pipes. Frost bite can occur in as little as 10 minutes with this cold.

READ MORE: Extreme Cold Timeline: When It Will Hit, What To Expect

For New Lenox D122 Families and Students:

If your child is absent, parents should follow the standard procedure for notifying the school. Classroom attendance will be taken and submitted for each class period at the end of class. As a reminder, Google Meet logs each student's sign in and sign out times. The district strongly encourages students to engage in online learning.

Students should follow their designated e-Learning plans as provided by staff.

• Cherry Hill & Trail
• Families 1-3
• Families 4-8

Accessing Alternative E-Learning Activities: If online participation is not possible, students may complete an E-Learning paper packet. Here are the Alternative E-Learning Activities. Completion and submission of these materials are required for attendance if online participation is not possible.

● iPads: If your child brings home an iPad, please ensure it is charged and returned to school with its charging cord and brick when in-person classes resume.

● Park District ACES & Trailblazers Program: Park District ACES & Trailblazers will provide all-day care and help support E-Learning at the Lions Community Center (1 Manor Dr., New Lenox – Entry C) from 6:30am–6:30pm. This program is only available to families currently enrolled in ACES or Trailblazers. Participants must bring all equipment needed for E-Learning, and while Park District staff will assist, students must be able to navigate their iPad independently and sit through online learning, as staff will be helping multiple children throughout the day. If the Park District cancels, updates will be posted on Facebook and the Park District website, and an email will be sent to ACES/Trailblazers families by 6 a.m. Additional fees may apply—visit www.newlenoxparks.org for details.