More schools and downtown businesses are encouraging students and workers to avoid the Loop this Friday and next Monday during the NATO Summit.
Protests like Monday's display in front of President Barack Obama's campaign headquarters have caused schools and downtown businesses to send out memos canceling classes and giving employees the option to work from home.
Among the schools closing are Old St. Mary's grade school on South Michigan Avenue, Frances Xavier Warde School’s campuses in the West Loop and Gold Coast, National Louis University’s Chicago campus, and St. Ignatius on Roosevelt Road.
The schools are scheduled to be closed both Friday, May 18, and Monday, May 21.
St. Ignatius will continue classes through their online program on both dates. All school are expected to open as usual on Tuesday, May 22.
St. Ignatius Principal Dr. Catherine Karl told NBCChicago the school made its decision early on.
"We have students from seven counties," Karl said. "Students will be working from home, online."
At the American Medical Association on North State Street, management is concerned that with so many employees commuting to and from the Loop during the convention, it might be more of a problem getting here than it's worth.
At the Aon Building, Blue Cross Blue Shield employees said they feel relieved their bosses made the decision to let the leave the Loop.
