Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is closely monitoring the extreme cold temperatures sweeping across the region to determine if classes will be canceled on Tuesday, January 16th. As wind chill values plummet to potentially 35 degrees below zero, CPS is evaluating the safety and well-being of its students and staff.

While many public schools in the Chicago area have already announced closures for Tuesday due to the dangerously cold temperatures, CPS had not made a decision as of Sunday. In a statement, the district assured parents that they are monitoring the weather closely and working with city partners, including the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), to make an informed decision.

CPS has canceled and rescheduled all events for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which were originally scheduled to take place inside school buildings. The district acknowledges that canceling classes is a last resort because they understand the impact it can have on families who rely on CPS for education, meals, warmth, safety, and other necessities.

The safety considerations taken into account by CPS when deciding on school closures include the forecasted weather conditions and wind chill values that may persist through Tuesday, with wind chills potentially below -20 degrees. Frostbite can occur in as little as 10-to-30 minutes on exposed skin when wind chills are this severe.

To ensure the safety of its students and staff, CPS plans to make a final decision about Tuesday's classes after monitoring the weather for a 24-hour period starting Sunday. The district urges parents and staff to be prepared for potential closures in the event that the extreme weather persists.

If classes are canceled, CPS is working diligently to provide warm and safe alternatives for students and staff. The district is striving to offer suitable shelters and is collaborating closely with transportation vendors to ensure smooth bus service if classes are held.

While CPS understands the difficulties that school closures may impose on parents and guardians, their primary concern remains the safety and well-being of their students and staff. Families and staff are advised to stay updated on the district's decision, which will be communicated as soon as possible on Monday.

As Chicagoans endure below-zero wind chills throughout the region, it is crucial to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to protect against the extreme cold.