Schools Cancel Classes Monday Due To Extreme Cold

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Anoka-Hennepin School District has announced they will cancel classes for Monday. Later Sunday afternoon, St. Paul and Minneapolis public schools joined canceling school Monday.

Mary Olson from the Anoka-Hennepin School District says they do not want to take chances with children getting frost bite.

"We have students who walk up to a mile to school, and for a first grader that may take 15 minutes," Olson said.

Olson said she's never seen a winter like this.

"In the 30 years, we've never closed more than twice, and we are going on 4 days and there' s still a lot of winter left," Olson said.

Winona and Rochester public schools called off classes over the weekend while other schools were still deciding by Sunday morning.

Minnesota State Mankato, Augsburg College and even the largest university in the state, the University of Minnesota, are canceling classes.

Now, many students have a fourth chance to sleep in, but it's bittersweet for most parents.

"It's been a weird winter, I'd rather just keep him at home if there's any doubt," St. Louis Park father Mark Hairte.

For Eden Prairie mom Heather Anderson, it's going to be pretty big inconvenience.

"Being a working parent, I will be staying home with the kids," Anderson.

Until then, she let her boys burn off some energy at Airmaxx Trampoline Park, a place that has seen a surge in business due to the weather.

In response, Minneapolis Parks and Rec will be opening 47 recreation centers early Monday at noon. The Wirth sledding hill will also be open.

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