LOGAN SQUARE — The Chicago Public Schools' decision to cancel classes Wednesday sent parents scrambling to figure out where to send their children.
That's why the YMCA's "School's Out" program — run at six of its locations across the city Wednesday — was a huge relief for many parents. The program will continue Thursday.
CPS parent Lara Dugas, 42, said the program is "tremendous help."
"I can't afford to take time off," Dugas said. " ... For $40, they provide three meals and excellent programming. I can't say enough good things about the program."
Stephen Vick, executive director of the McCormick Tribune YMCA in Logan Square, said about 10 children took part in many activities offered by the Y Wednesday.
The YMCA saw fewer children Wednesday than during last year's canceled school days, said Vick, who nevertheless is prepared for as many as 200 kids Thursday after CPS decided to cancel classes for a second straight day.
The program, which costs $40 per day, runs from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., and is for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Along with arts, sports, computer games, and health and wellness activities, "School's Out" offers breakfast, lunch and a snack during the 13-hour program.
Joey Clark, 6, said he was excited to be at the Y instead of in school.
"I want to stay here forever," he said.
Last year Joey and his brother, Sam, 8, also spent the canceled days at the Logan Square YMCA. Both were thrilled to return and be able to play in the the computer lab.
YMCA counselor Larry Shipman also taught Sam how to use an abacus during the day.
Logan Square's Ken Schwass, 46, and his wife were among the parents concerned about where they'd send their kids after St. John's Brahmans' private school followed in CPS' footsteps and canceled school for the day.
"I just started a new job so I was concerned that I wasn't going to be able to get the afternoon off," Schwass said. "When my wife found out about the YMCA's 'School's Out' program early Wednesday, we were relieved to say the least."
Vick said the parents he spoke with understood the safety concerns behind the school day cancelations.
"But at the same time they are trying to figure out where to send their kids," Vick added.
The six locations are:
• High Ridge YMCA
2424 W. Touhy Ave.
773-262-8300
• Lake View YMCA
3333 N. Marshfield
773-248-3333
• McCormick Tribune YMCA
1834 N. Lawndale Ave.
773-235-2525
• South Chicago YMCA
3039 E. 91st St.
773-721-9100
• South Side YMCA
6330 S. Stoney Island
773-947-0700
• West Communities YMCA
6235 S. Homan Ave.
773-434-0300
"Even if there isn't inclement weather we have this program available, so when there is spring break, winter break, Pulaski Day, Martin Luther King Day, or teacher's in-service days, we offer the program as an option for parents who still need to work," Vick said. "We want to let families know we are here for them, we are available."
Last year, CPS canceled four days of classes in January because of subzero temperatures.
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