Denver Public Schools Cancel Classes Due to Extreme Heat

News Summary

In response to the forecasted extreme heat, Denver Public Schools has canceled classes at several schools, including Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8, which will dismiss students early. Bus services will run their regular routes for the early dismissals. As many schools face criticism for inadequate air conditioning, the district is implementing measures to ensure student comfort and safety during these high temperatures. The decision reflects a broader concern for students’ health amid rising heat waves across the region.

Denver – In response to the extreme heat expected on Thursday, Denver Public Schools (DPS) announced the cancellation of classes at over a dozen schools, including Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8. Both schools will release students early, with Johnson Elementary dismissing at 12:30 p.m. and Bryant Webster at 12:20 p.m. However, students at these schools will receive lunch before being sent home.

In addition to the early dismissals, the bus service for the schools releasing students early will operate on their regular routes, ensuring families can access transportation in a timely manner. The temperature in Denver is forecasted to soar into the high 90s, necessitating these adjustments to ensure student safety and comfort.

Many DPS schools have been criticized for lacking adequate air conditioning, which can significantly increase the risk of heat-related health issues for students during peak summer temperatures. This issue is particularly pressing in August when heat waves are common. As part of the response to the heat, several schools within the district have also canceled their Little Links and Discovery Link programming for the day.

Other school districts are similarly taking action amid rising temperatures. The Poudre School District will also release most of their schools early due to high temperatures, affecting all elementary and middle schools as well as select high schools.

DPS officials recognize that the sudden school closures may disrupt family schedules and have proactively notified parents about potential cancellations by 5 p.m. the evening prior to these announcements. Families expressed frustration and concern regarding the insufficient cooling facilities available in schools during extreme heat events, specifically questioning how taxpayer funds have been allocated for infrastructure improvements.

In a related note, some schools, including Skinner Middle School, are awaiting air conditioning upgrades, which were part of a bond measure that voters approved. However, issues such as the discovery of asbestos in the building have delayed these air conditioning installations, pushing the project’s completion date to 2026. Therefore, students and staff at these facilities continue to deal with uncomfortable conditions in high temperatures.

As heat waves become increasingly frequent, districts across the region are re-evaluating their preparedness for extreme weather situations. The health and safety of students remain a top priority, which has prompted many schools to consider better cooling solutions and more flexible scheduling options during particularly hot months.

In summary, the DPS decision to cancel classes and release students early is a direct response to the extreme heat anticipated, with the safety of students highlighted as the primary concern. Though families may face challenges due to the closures, the district’s steps reflect a growing awareness of the vital need for climate control and adequate facilities in schools.

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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