News Summary
Denver Public Schools has canceled classes for over a dozen schools, including Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8, due to extreme heat expected to reach the high 90s. Students will be released early and provided lunch before dismissal. Families have expressed concerns regarding inadequate cooling facilities and ongoing delays in air conditioning upgrades. Other districts are also responding to the heat with early releases. The situation highlights the challenges schools face in ensuring student safety and comfort amid rising temperatures.
Denver Public Schools Cancel Classes and Issue Early Releases Due to Extreme Heat
Denver – Denver Public Schools (DPS) has canceled classes at over a dozen schools due to the extreme heat anticipated on Thursday, with reported temperatures expected to soar into the high 90s. Specific schools affected by the cancellations include Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8, both of which will release students early. Johnson Elementary will dismiss students at 12:30 p.m., while Bryant Webster will let students go at 12:20 p.m..
For families of students at these schools, bus services will operate on regular routes aligned with these early dismissal times. Additionally, students at both schools will be provided with lunch before their early release. DPS has acknowledged that these closures may pose unexpected challenges for families, informing them of potential school cancellations directly by 5 p.m. the evening before the event.
Impact of Extreme Temperatures
The extreme heat, which has led to the class cancellations, is not an isolated incident for DPS, as many of its schools lack adequate air conditioning. With the forecast predicting scorching temperatures, the district’s decision follows a pattern of heat-related school closures common in the month of August. The DPS has indicated that other programs, such as Little Links and Discovery Link programming, will also be canceled at some schools due to the heat.
Broader School District Responses
In light of similar conditions, the Poudre School District has also announced early releases for most of its schools, including all elementary and middle schools, along with select high schools. This decisiveness reflects growing concerns over student health and safety amid heat waves that can affect learning environments.
Concerns Over Cooling Facilities
Many families have expressed frustration and concern regarding the lack of proper cooling facilities during extreme weather conditions like those expected on Thursday. Parents have been questioning the allocation of taxpayer funds and the district’s commitment to ensuring a safe and comfortable learning environment for their children. Such sentiments have surfaced particularly in light of ongoing projects aimed at upgrading air conditioning systems in schools, which have faced significant delays.
One notable case under scrutiny is Skinner Middle School, which is still awaiting air conditioning upgrades from a bond approved by voters. Delays were attributed to the discovery of asbestos within the building, complicating the project and extending the timeline for completion to 2026. This has raised concerns among parents and guardians who worry about vulnerable students being subjected to severe heat conditions without adequate protections in place.
Conclusion
As Denver Public Schools navigate extreme weather challenges, the district is tasked with ensuring students’ health and learning needs are met. While measures such as early releases have been put in place, ongoing concerns regarding inadequate cooling systems and facility enhancements remain prominent among families and the broader community. As this situation evolves, continued attention will be needed to address the limitations within the school infrastructure in response to extreme heat events.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion 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 Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
