It is not just the cold weather, extreme heat can also affect students, as the heat wave-induced school closings in 2017 showed. If you live in a region that experiences extreme heat during certain periods of the year, listen to announcements on school closings for today or school closing list for tomorrow on your local radio and television channels.

Mercury rising
Temperatures in the 90s range and above triggered school closings and shortened school days in school districts across several states in 2017. The intense heat wave made it extremely uncomfortable for both students and teachers to stay in classrooms.

Studies reveal that soaring temperatures can affect the student’s ability to focus on learning. Exams conducted on very hot days also show poor results. Students feel too tired, hot and irritable and these may also lead to behavioral issues.

Many school districts in southern states like Florida have air-conditioned classrooms. However, in other states across the nation, only a few schools have adequate air conditioning facilities. Hawaii, which experiences tropical climate conditions, has recently come up with plans to increase the number of air-conditioned classrooms across the entire state. New York City also announced plans to provide air conditioning in every classroom by the year 2020.

Check school and school district websites and other resources for school closings list when the weather gets too hot. School districts announce heat induced school closings and early dismissals through the usual channels.

Be prepared to deal with early dismissals
In case you and your spouse have tight work schedules, make sure you have plans in place to deal with unexpected early dismissals.

You can make arrangements for the child to go home with a friend who may have a parent at home to take care of them. This could take care of emergency situations when the child is sent home early from school.

If you have older children who can take care of their younger siblings, this can make life easier for you. Schools generally have a policy of gradual dismissals, starting from high school down to lower grades. This is done to enable older siblings to get home first and be there when their younger brother or sister reach home.

Extreme heat can affect your child’s health and their ability to learn. Register your mobile number with the school’s rapid messaging system to receive instant text messages on school closing list tomorrow. Check all media including news channels, websites, and radio announcements regarding local school closings and shorter school days. Make sure that you have plans in place to deal with early dismissals due to hot weather conditions.