Philly school district extends early dismissals due to heat through rest of week

Dozens of schools in the Philadelphia School District and schools in surrounding areas are being dismissed early during the first week of school due to the excessive heat.

And, those early dismissals are now stretching through the rest of the week due to the heat wave that has temps feeling around triple digits.

The Philadelphia schools impacted are those that do not have strong adequate air conditioning or no air conditioning at all, according to the school district.

“Student safety is our number one priority, and the District is taking several measures to help maintain healthy and comfortable classroom conditions,” Oz Hill, chief operating officer for the School District of Philadelphia, said.

From Tuesday, Sept. 5, to Wednesday, Sept. 6, students in Philly schools were released on an early dismissal schedule. The school district laid out which schools are impacted and what time classes will be dismissed.

Now those early dismissals will continue on Thursday, Sept. 7, and Friday, Sept. 8.

"The National Weather Service is forecasting extreme heat for the Philadelphia area for the rest of the week," the school district said Wednesday afternoon. "To ensure safe and healthy school environments for our students and staff, the School District of Philadelphia is making adjustments to schools without air conditioning or inadequate cooling."

Other school districts that will also be dismissing early are the Upper Darby School District, which will have early dismissal for all its schools from Tuesday to Thursday as they continue to review the forecast.

Students in other parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey also had early dismissals this week due to the heat.

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"Exposure to excessive heat can cause heat-related illnesses, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. In extreme heat, the District encourages families to please remember to keep their children hydrated and dressed in light-colored and lightweight clothing, and be sure they wear sunscreen," the Philadelphia School District said in a statement.

Parents can refer to this guide for more tips on keeping children safe in extreme heat.

What to expect from the Philadelphia heat wave

"The District has invested $285.7 million to improve electrical and HVAC systems in 23 schools, with an emphasis on those serving elementary students," Oz Hill, Chief Operating Officer for the School District of Philadelphia said.

The Philadelphia School District is currently working on installing air conditioning systems throughout the city's school buildings.

What time are hot schools being dismissed in Philly?

Initially about 74 schools within the Philadelphia School District were set to be dismissed early due to the extreme heat that is expected the week of Sept. 4. By Wednesday, the list had grown to more than 80 facilities.

For the full list of Philadelphia schools impacted click here.

The schools impacted by the early dismissal will release students on a three-hour early dismissal schedule in Philadelphia.

If school starts at 9 a.m. students will be dismissed at 12:39 p.m.

See the full bell schedule and dismissal times here.

Which school districts will be dismissed early this week?

There are 14 schools within the Upper Darby School District. All of its schools will be dismissed early on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The William Penn School District, in Delaware County, also announced that due to the forecasted excessive heat and not having 100 percent air-conditioned school buildings, its schools will operate on a half-day bell schedule on Wednesday, Sept. 6, through Friday, Sept. 8.

William Penn school starts on Wednesday for students in grades 1-12 and Friday for kindergarten students.

Cheltenham High School in Montgomery County is also sending students home early.

"Due to the weather forecast and lack of air conditioning in many rooms, Cheltenham High School will dismiss at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5 through Thursday, Sept. 7," the district said in a message posted to its website.

Central Bucks School District announced Tuesday that they will also dismiss students early on Wednesday and Thursday from the following schools due to no air conditioning and they won't hold any after school care or activities.

10:45 a.m. – Lenape Middle School
11:55 a.m. – Doyle, Gayman, and Titus Elementary Schools
12:10 p.m. – Buckingham and Kutz Elementary Schools
12:25 p.m. – Barclay, Linden, and Warwick Elementary Schools

Abe Lucabaugh, the Central Bucks superintendent, said that a decision about Friday will be made at a later time.

Which New Jersey schools are also dismissing students early?

All Camden County School District staff and students will be operating on a half-day schedule on Wednesday and Thursday and all after-school and evening activities are canceled.

Also in Camden County, Winslow Township schools will be dismissing students early.

"All schools in the Winslow Township School District, will be on an early dismissal schedule starting Tuesday, September 5, 2023 through Friday, September 8, 2023, due to the forecast for extreme heat and humidity," the district said.

Audubon Public schools also planned early dismissals due to the heat.