For families in need of childcare on Monday in grades TK-8 we will still have staff on-site for supervision, meal service will be available with Food Services for students staying beyond their dismissal time and cooling spaces are available. Supervision and meal service will also be available for students in grades 9-12 that stay beyond their dismissal time.
Additionally, we would like to share some heat prevention tips to help you, and your family stay safe and healthy during this period of extreme heat:
1. Stay Hydrated: Encourage your child to drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Sending them to school with a refillable water bottle is highly recommended. Water refill stations have been set up on campus to encourage students and faculty to stay hydrated by refilling personal reusable bottles. In cases where individuals do not have a refillable bottle, free bottled water is provided by Food Services during days with excessive heat.
2. Dress Appropriately: Dress your child in light, loose-fitting clothing and apply sunscreen before coming to school to protect against sunburn.
3. Limit Physical Activity: Advise your child to avoid strenuous physical activities during the hottest parts of the day to prevent overheating. Staff have been advised to do the same.
4. Seek Shade: Encourage your child to stay in shaded areas whenever possible and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
5. Cool Down: Remind your child to take breaks in air-conditioned spaces or utilize cooling stations, such as the Multipurpose Room, library, and designated classrooms with air conditioning available. Locations vary by site.
These proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to creating a safe and comfortable learning environment for all school sites, regardless of having access to air-conditioned classrooms or not. Unfortunately, we lack district-wide air conditioning in all classrooms and buildings, including our district office buildings. Even where they exist, they are outdated. Due to their age and constant use, the systems are challenged to maintain a consistent temperature and compressors are starting to fail, which is causing further issues at sites that otherwise more sites will cool and whereas some have no routine issues with cooling. We have proactively applied and continue to apply to grants where we are eligible for facility funding focused on air quality, efficiency and cooling. In addition, the Board recently voted on a resolution to place a bond on the ballot in November and ventilation, including air conditioning, is included on the proposed project list by site, found here.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate these challenging weather conditions. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities, and we are taking proactive measures to ensure a healthy learning environment for everyone.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in promoting a healthy and safe school environment.
