Heat-related closures go smoothly in District 204

No buses rumbled, no children lined up for the first bell and no homework was collected Friday morning at most Indian Prairie Unit District 204 elementary schools.

And district officials say the day went perfectly.

Classes were canceled Friday at 19 of the district’s 21 elementary schools due to concerns about a lack of air conditioning as temperatures climbed well into 90s.

Classes were open at the district’s two elementary schools that have air conditioning and at all its junior and high schools.

“By the end of the day Thursday, all students were aware of classes being canceled and all of our parents received the emergency message on their home, work and cellphones,” district spokeswoman Janet Buglio said. “And the parent feedback has been supportive. They get it and know how miserable and tired their children would have been in those hot buildings. They appreciated our proactive approach.”

Parents of about 50 district children took advantage of a special $39 day care program offered by the YMCA of Metro Chicago’s Sports Complex in Naperville.

Shane Loy, operations director for the YMCA’s Safe and Sound program, said children made crafts, participated in team-building games and played sports.

“Everything worked out really well today in a pretty quick turnaround,” Loy said. “We’re happy to have been able to present an option for those parents.”

Classes resume Wednesday at all schools in the district, which serves portions of Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook and Plainfield.