01/15/2024
From CPS
“Dear CPS Staff,
We have been carefully monitoring the forecast over the past 24 hours, and have determined that given frigid temperatures predicted for tomorrow, and a Wind Chill Warning from the National Weather Service that wind chills could reach -30 degrees, it will be unsafe for staff and students to travel to school. Therefore, we are canceling all classes for Tuesday, January 16. All after-school programming, including athletic practices and games, are also canceled for Tuesday.
Canceling classes is always a last resort, which is why CPS has been working closely with the Office of Emergency Management (OEMC) and other city agencies, and why we have relied on information from the National Weather Service to help guide our decision. Factors that went into making this decision include:
Air temperature and wind chill
The amount of snow and ice on the ground
The ability of students and staff to get to school and work safely
The accessibility of buildings and roads
The ability to transport students safely on buses
Potential issues with heating systems or power outages
The safety risks to our employees, especially those who work outside (crossing guards, Safe Passage Workers, etc.)
The forecast shows temperatures warming by Wednesday, so we expect that classes will resume for all students on January 17.
All CPS facilities will be closed tomorrow, including Central and Network Offices. There will be no remote learning for students on Tuesday, January 16.
52-week employees who can work remotely, including school leaders, central and network office staff, and school based employees have the option of working remotely or using a benefit day on Tuesday.
Some CPS employees who are responsible for the operations of our school buildings, including engineers and custodians may need to report to work in person on Tuesday, January 16 to prepare for the return of staff and students on Wednesday. These employees will hear from their managers directly if they need to report to work in person.
All other school-based employees, including non-52 week employees, and 52-week employees who cannot perform their job duties remotely, including security officers and nutrition workers, should not report to the school building.
Here are some tips to help everyone stay warm during these very cold days:
Stay inside and limit unnecessary trips outdoors
Wear several layers of loose, warm clothing
Pay special attention to keeping your hands, head, ears, and feet warm and dry
Chicago is also operating several warming centers that can be accessed throughout the winter months. Click here for complete details on these centers, or call 3-1-1 for information on where you can take shelter from the cold.
Again, classes and after-school activities are canceled for all CPS students on Tuesday, January 16, and all schools and office buildings will be closed. We thank you for your continued support and urge you to visit cps.edu for all weather updates regarding CPS schools.
Sincerely,
Chicago Public Schools”