Chicago Public Schools Cancels Classes for Wednesday, January 30, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, January 28, 2019

Key Points:

• TUESDAY: Schools will remain open tomorrow, Tuesday, January 29, 2019. All after-school events will be canceled.
• WEDNESDAY: Classes and after-school activities are canceled on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.
• THURSDAY: A decision for classes on Thursday, January 31, 2019, will be determined Wednesday afternoon.

CHICAGO - Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is canceling all classes and school activities scheduled for Wednesday, January 30, due to a forecast of extreme temperatures far below freezing, which could present a hazard to children traveling to and from school. CPS buildings will be closed on Wednesday due to the extreme weather conditions, and the district is strongly encouraging all students to remain indoors for their safety. Schools will be open tomorrow, Tuesday, January 29, as temperatures are not expected to drop to potentially hazardous lows until the evening.

“Student safety is our top priority and the temperatures are expected to drop to extreme and dangerous levels on Wednesday, which could present a hazard for students,” said CPS CEO Dr. Janice K. Jackson. “Due to the extreme temperatures, it is in the best interest of our students’ health and safety to cancel all classes and school activities on Wednesday.”

The District is notifying parents of the closure through its regular communication channels via robocalls, emails, social media platforms and through media outlets. Parents can also call (773) 553-1000 or visit the CPS website for more information.

For families seeking alternative youth programs and services, the Chicago Park District has warming centers located throughout the city. Specific locations and hours can be found at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

Due to the cancellation, CPS intends to add an additional instructional day to the end of the school year to ensure students receive the full 178 instructional days on the district’s calendar. The calendar update must be approved by the Board of Education and would move the final instructional day of the school year to June 19.

Chicago Public Schools serves 361,000 students in 644 schools. It is the nation’s third-largest school district.

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