ALPENA — Noting expected early-morning temperatures in the single digits and wind chills approaching minus 20, Alpena Public Schools officials on Thursday evening notified parents that APS schools would be closed on Friday.

The closure also delayed a presentation to APS fifth graders by Alpena County Prosecutor Cynthia Muszynski, planned for Friday afternoon.

As of Thursday evening, after-school Friday events had not been canceled, according to Lee Fitzpatrick, APS director of communications, who said officials chose to cancel school as a precaution to protect students waiting for buses.