(WTTW News)
Chicago Public Schools has announced it will suspend in-person learning for students Tuesday, with the potential of a foot or more of snow hitting the Chicago area on Monday evening into Tuesday morning.
“Safety is our highest priority which is why we have decided to move all classes to remote instruction for tomorrow, February 16,” CPS CEO Janice Jackson said in a statement. “The extreme weather conditions expected tonight and tomorrow could present a hazardous commute to families of pre-k and cluster program students who selected in-person learning, and in the interest of safety we are cancelling in-person classes. We expect in-person learning to resume on Wednesday and will keep families updated as additional information becomes available.”
Remote learning will continue for all students Tuesday.
According to the district, only essential building staff such as administrators, engineers, custodians, security guards, and food service staff are expected to report to schools Tuesday. Teachers and other employees will work remotely.
The heaviest snowfall from the storm system is expected to fall between 6 p.m. and midnight Monday.
Monday was already a non-attendance day for students due to the Presidents Day holiday.
Snow days are rare within CPS, particularly with students learning from home since March 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Some preschool and special education cluster students returned to their classrooms last week following a weekslong standoff with the Chicago Teachers Union over a safe school reopening plan.
Under that plan, kindergarten through fifth grade teachers and staff are set to return next Monday, followed by their students on March 1. Sixth through eighth grade teachers and staff will then return March 1, followed by students on March 8.
CPS said grab-and-go meal distribution will continue Tuesday, though some sites may be impacted by potential transportation challenges. Families are asked to visit cps.edu/mealsites or call 773-553-KIDS on Tuesday to confirm if their desired site is open.
The district also said some Child Learning Hubs will be open Tuesday depending on staffing availability. CPS will reach out to registered families to provide an update on available services at each site.
Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431
