Aurora Public Schools, Pickens Technical College and Adams County School District 14 have canceled classes Friday due to a growing number of student and staff absences anticipated on a day when nationwide protests against immigr ation enforcement are planned.APS says Friday will now be treated as a professional release day  a pre-planned day of no classes that had been scheduled for February 6. That day will now operate as a regular school day.Before- and after-school care and middle school athletics will also be canceled. The district said it would still provide grab-and-go lunches from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Staff who had not called out as of Thursday evening were expected at school Friday.Adams 14 will make Friday a teacher and staff work day, the district said."Adams County School District 14 is aware of plans for a national Day of Action protest and Blackout taking place on Friday, January 30, 2026. We acknowledge and respect the many ways individuals choose to engage in civic action and make their voices heard," Adams 14 said in a statement late Thursday. "Civic engagement is a cornerstone of our democracy, and our staff and families represent a wide range of perspectives and beliefs."Aurora Public Schools didn't publicly link the expected absences to the day of protest."Due to a higher than anticipated number of staff absences that continue to grow across the district, we will not be able to safely operate schools tomorrow, Jan. 30," an APS release said.The nationwide economic strike calls for people to skip work, school and shopping on Jan. 30 in opposition to federal immigration activity in American cities, particularly in the Minneapolis area. Denver7 heard from students at some Front Range schools who planned to walk out of class Friday as part of the protest.Hopefully it helps people know that they're not alone and that there are voices fighting for them, said Brighton High School student and protest organizer Gianna Rizzo.Students at Montbello High School got a head start on the planned protests, walking out of class Thursday. Denver businesses, residents prepare for nationwide 'ICE OUT' strikeAs of Thursday afternoon, Denver Public Schools told Denver7 the district didn't expect any operational closures on Friday. They were working on finding coverage for staff members that had called out.Denver Public Schools is dedicated to providing a safe learning environment for our students," said DPS spokesperson Scott Pribble. "If a closure is needed, we will provide as much notice to our families as soon as possible so that they can make plans for their students."Denver7 has also reached out to other area districts to hear about their plans for Friday. This story will be updated if and when we learn more. ...read more read less