MPS, other districts cancel school for Thursday; but parents -- there are options!



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The extreme cold has forced Milwaukee Public Schools to cancel classes Thursday, January 7th -- and that could leave some parents in a pinch! But fortunately, there are some options for parents looking for activities that will keep their children busy and supervised Thursday.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee (BGCGM) will be opening two sites on Thursday, January 8th for young people while Milwaukee Public Schools are closed due to weather.

The Mary Ryan Club located at 3000 North Sherman Boulevard and the Don & Sallie Davis Club at 1975 S. 24th street will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Thursday for all BGCGM members.

Children must be a BGCGM member to attend the clubs, however applications will be available for families who wish to attend. There is a $5 membership fee, but BGCGM will not turn any child or teen away.

"It's incredibly important. Our goal is to ensure family lives are disrupted as little as possible," Denisha Tate with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee said.

This, as MPS has announced all 158 schools in the district will be closed Thursday, and all after-school activities have been cancelled.



"Our main goal is to make sure that kids are safe," Denise Callaway, the executive director of community engagement for MPS said.

MPS makes the decision to close schools on a case-by-case basis -- in this case, citing extremely low temperatures and a Winter Weather Advisory.

"It was really in the best interest of our students," Callaway said.

Closing schools can leave parents in a bind -- but there are options.

"We want to make sure parents can go to work on time and not have to leave early at the end of their day. Their kids are in good care and in good hands. They're learning and they're in a positive place. We can have an exciting day -- a safe day and survive the cold," Tate said.

The YMCA will also be providing child care, but only for kids already enrolled in their before and after school program.

As for everyone else, a spokesman says Thursday would be a great day for families to come in and see what the Y has to offer.

"We're inviting those families who haven't connected with the YMCA to come out and give us a try," Tim Kobussen, YMCA vice president of marketing said.

Kobussen says a lot of people don't realize the YMCA is must more than just a fitness center.

CLICK HERE for a full list of closings via FOX6Now.com.

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