Schools

Is Cold Weather a Poor Excuse to Cancel Classes?

Administrators will decide Sunday whether or not to close suburban schools Monday because of possible below-zero temperatures. Is this a good idea?

Ever since the National Weather Service forecasted that temperatures in the Chicago area could reach 5 below to 15 below zero early this week, administrators for school districts throughout the region have been monitoring weather reports, deciding whether or not to cancel classes Monday because of the extreme cold.

Chicago Public Schools announced Saturday that schools will be open Monday and Tuesday, but parents are being told to use their own judgment on whether it's too cold for their children to attend, the Chicago Tribune reports

Most suburban school districts, however, won't make a decision about closing schools until Sunday evening. Many of these schools have been on winter break since the end of December, and Monday would mark the first day back.

According to the message posted on the Libertyville Elementary District 70 website, "Keeping the safety of our students and staff as a priority, we are monitoring the weather closely. As is protocol, local superintendents will conference Sunday evening to determine how severe temperatures might affect school on Monday. An AlertNow phone message, as well as announcements on the district website and social media sites, will be posted in the event school is cancelled."

Do you think below-zero temperatures are a good enough reason for schools to cancel classes? Or do you think that sends the wrong message to kids? Share your thoughts in the comments section.


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