News Summary
In response to extreme heat predicted for Thursday, Denver Public Schools have canceled classes at more than a dozen schools. Temperatures are forecasted to reach the high 90s, prompting early dismissals at select schools. The move has raised concerns among families regarding the impact on working parents, as additional programming has also been canceled. The ongoing issues with air conditioning in schools highlight the urgent need for better cooling systems, particularly as heat events become more frequent.
Denver, Colorado – Denver Public Schools Cancel Classes Due to Extreme Heat
Denver Public Schools (DPS) have announced the cancellation of classes at over a dozen schools due to the extreme heat predicted for Thursday. This decision comes as temperatures in Denver are anticipated to soar into the high 90s, creating concerning conditions for students.
Early Dismissals for Select Schools
Select schools that will not hold classes on Thursday include:
- Johnson Elementary
- Bryant Webster Early Childhood Education (ECE)-8
Johnson Elementary is set to dismiss students at 12:30 p.m., while Bryant Webster will release its students at 12:20 p.m. Buses will operate on regular routes at the specified dismissal times for these schools. In a bid to ensure students are nourished before leaving, those at both Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster will receive lunch before the early release.
Impact on Programming and Community Responses
In addition to the early releases, some schools within the district are also canceling their Little Links and Discovery Link programming, which provides additional care and activities for students outside regular school hours. The district’s move to cancel classes has sparked concern among families, with officials noting the potential challenges that these closures may create for working parents and guardians.
DPS communicated the decision regarding school closures to families the evening prior, ensuring they were informed by 5 p.m. of any potential changes to the school schedule.
Context on Air Conditioning Challenges
The issue of heat-related school closures is particularly prevalent in August, when temperatures can rise significantly. Many schools in the Denver area, including DPS facilities, have been struggling with inadequate air conditioning. The cancellation of classes highlights the pressing need for cooling systems in schools to effectively manage extreme heat events.
Some schools, like Skinner Middle School, are still awaiting air conditioning upgrades following a bond measure that was approved by voters. However, progress has been slowed due to the discovery of asbestos at Skinner, which has extended the expected completion date for these upgrades until 2026.
Response from Local School Districts
In tandem with DPS, the Poudre School District has also opted for early releases across most of its schools in response to high temperatures. This decision affects all elementary and middle schools, as well as select high schools. This coordinated response indicates a regional concern regarding the health and safety of students under extreme weather conditions.
Community Concerns
The extreme heat and resulting closures have amplified frustrations among families, particularly regarding the lack of effective cooling facilities in schools. Many parents are questioning how taxpayer money is being allocated, particularly when circumstances like these arise, and they emphasize the need for prompt action to ensure comfortable learning environments for their children.
With temperatures expected to remain high, the challenge of ensuring student safety and comfort in schools will continue to be a necessary focus for both local schools and families in the Denver area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Denver Public Schools Cancel Classes Due to Heat Wave
Garfield Re-2 School District Delays Start of School Year
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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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BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
