News Summary
In response to an anticipated heat wave, Denver Public Schools (DPS) have canceled classes at over a dozen schools, including early dismissals at Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8. With temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s and inadequate air conditioning affecting many schools, the district prioritizes student health and safety. Extracurricular activities are also being suspended, highlighting the significant impact of heat on school operations. The nearby Poudre School District has taken similar measures, as community concerns over infrastructure limitations persist.
Denver, Colorado
Denver Public Schools (DPS) have canceled classes at more than a dozen schools and announced early dismissals in response to an expected heat wave on Thursday. The decision affects several campuses where extreme temperatures pose health and safety concerns for students and staff.
School Closures and Early Releases
On Thursday, classes will not be held at Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8. Johnson Elementary will release students at 12:30 p.m., while Bryant Webster will close earlier at 12:20 p.m.. Despite the early dismissal, bus services will operate normally, following regular routes and schedules for pickup times. Additionally, students at these schools will be provided with lunch prior to their departure from school facilities.
Temperature Expectations and School Conditions
The temperature in Denver is forecasted to reach into the high 90s on Thursday. Many Denver Public Schools lack adequate air conditioning, making it challenging to maintain comfortable and safe indoor environments during such intense heat. As a result, the district has opted for early closures, especially in schools where cooling systems are insufficient or unavailable.
Impact on Programs and District-Wide Measures
Some schools are also canceling extracurricular activities such as Little Links and Discovery Link programming, which typically provide after-school engagement for students. This indicates a district-wide awareness of the need to prioritize health and safety during the heatwave.
Additional District Actions
The Poudre School District, neighboring Denver, has also announced early releases for most elementary and middle schools and some high schools, emphasizing a broader regional concern about high temperatures affecting school operations.
Communication and Family Support
District officials acknowledged the potential for unexpected challenges resulting from these early closures, particularly for families balancing work and childcare. DPS has committed to notifying families of potential closures by 5 p.m. on the evening prior to avoid last-minute disruptions.
Challenges with Air Conditioning and Infrastructure
Some schools, such as Skinner Middle School, are still awaiting upgrades to their air conditioning systems. These delays are linked to inherited issues like asbestos found during renovation work. This has extended the completion timeline for air conditioning installation at Skinner to 2026, causing ongoing frustration among families and community members concerned about the districts’ preparedness for extreme heat events.
Community Concerns and Budget Questions
Parents and guardians have voiced concerns over the lack of cooling facilities during increasingly common heatwaves, questioning whether taxpayer-funded initiatives are being prioritized appropriately. As extreme weather conditions become more frequent, the need for effective infrastructure upgrades remains a pressing issue for the district and the community.
Background Context
August heat-related school closures are a recurring occurrence across many districts, emphasizing the importance of climate adaptation in educational facilities. The current heatwave serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that districts face in providing a safe learning environment amidst changing weather patterns.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Denver Schools Close Due to Record High Temperatures
Garfield Re-2 School District Delays Start of School Year
Air Conditioning Issue Delays Start of Louise Troy Elementary School
Additional Resources
- Denverite
- Denver7
- KDVR
- CBS News
- 9News
- Wikipedia: School Closures
- Google Search: Extreme Heat in Schools
- Google Scholar: School Closures Due to Heat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Climate Challenges
- Google News: Denver Schools Heat Closures
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