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Student Tweets Cold-Themed Playlist To Convince MPS To Close

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Several school districts have cancelled class on Wednesday, including the state's two largest, Anoka-Hennepin and Minneapolis Public Schools. MPS calls the bitter blast dangerous, citing the cold temperatures, wind chill and safety of students as the reason.

Owen VanDeWalker knew the frigid temps were on the way. So he decided to give Minneapolis Public Schools an incentive to cancel class.

"I just thought it was funny, and the idea to talk to Minneapolis Public Schools came up in my AP U.S. History class," VanDeWalker said.

The sophomore crafted a message less than 140 characters and then hit tweet.

"Made you this playlist to help make your decision on school tomorrow. It's pretty flame, give it a listen," VaDeWalker read.

The Spotify playlist included songs with winter words in the title, like "Baby It's Cold Outside," "Cold As Ice" and "Ice, Ice Baby."

The school district @MPS_News responded via Twitter: "Thank you for this thoughtful playlist. We will be sure to share it with the team making the decision."

Owen's mom, Sara, is a teacher.

"It's just kind of like him to do something like that, so I just thought it was funny," Sara VanDeWalker said.

All three kids will be staying home from school on Wednesday. She knows just how dangerous the cold can be, and how complicated coming up with a plan B can be for families.

"Really it is exciting for kids in Minnesota," Sara VanDeWalker said. "They talk about it all day at school, but it is, it's hard on a lot of families, of course. I especially feel for parents who have to find childcare the next day."

Minneapolis Public Schools made the decision to close school about an hour after Owen sent his tweet.

"I didn't really think it had anything to do with me, but I just thought--I was really happy and excited," VanDeWalker said.

A spokesperson for Minneapolis Public Schools said the playlist didn't factor into the decision, but he said it did make them smile.

The district expects students will be back in class on Thursday.

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