Some school districts across Chicagoland are changing up plans for students and athletes to keep them safe as dangerous temperatures enter the area.
From closing down unairconditioned schools, early dismissals and limiting outdoor athletics, school districts are not taking any chances as they work to keep students safe amid the heat.
At Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, soccer and other outdoor sports have been impacted by the dangerous weather.
“Wednesday, Thursday our soccer players will be inside doing their practice safely and air conditioning,” said Morgan Collier the school’s Chief Impact Officer. “We’re sending out text messages, confirming that their children are safe here and Cristo Rey, and not going to be outside for any extended times.”
Starting Tuesday morning, Glenbard South High School’s football teams will practice before school at 5:30 a.m. The school will also let players practice indoors to keep students out of the heat.
Some districts have even charged their start of the school year.
In Downers Grove, classes will start Friday instead of Wednesday for District 58. The start was postponed due to the fact that classrooms do not have air conditioning.
Thornton Township High School District 205 has switched to e-learning starting Tuesday and will continue doing so until Thursday.
In LaGrange, District 105 is implementing a half-day student attendance schedule on Wednesday and Thursday. According to the district, “Gurrie will be in session from 8:15-11:15 a.m. All elementary schools will be in session from 8:30-11:30 a.m.”
Up north in Lake County, Woodland School District 50, has issued an excessive heat warning. Students at the district are set for an early release on Wednesday and Thursday. The decision was made in part after officials evaluated the district’s longest bus rides.
In Chicago, CPS said schools are prepared for the heat, relying heavily on window air conditioning units to keep students cool while we deal with the heat wave this week.
Parents should keep in mind students should only practice for one hour if temperatures are about 87.6 degrees, with no outdoor practices happening once the temperature exceeds 89.9 degrees.
