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June 9, 2008

Update: Heat wave putting pressure on area schools

As the region faces unusually high temperatures for this early in the season -- and before schools are out -- at least one Rhode Island school system closed schools early today, while others are mulling what they should do tomorrow.

Predictions of poor air quality, high humidity and temperatures in the mid-90s prompted the cancellation of afternoon classes in Pawtucket public schools today, with students scheduled to be dismissed right after lunch, School Supt. Hans W. Dellith said.

Dellith declined to give exact dismissal times, saying he was “too busy” to talk to a reporter. Just when students are sent home will vary, he said, from school to school.

Scituate schools cancelled activities today, while others without air conditioning are deciding what to do tomorrow.

By 3:05 p.m., the Providence area had tied, then broke, then broke again a record high for the date of 95 degrees, set in 1984 The second high temperature of the day hit 97 degrees.

While dozens of schools in Connecticut sent students home early, Providence decided to keep schools open. The School Department issued a statement this afternoon, saying the schools were taking "necessary steps" to ensure students are safe and that it plans to keep schools open tomorrow, too.

The Providence School Department said it was keeping students inside and is giving them bottled water to keep them hydrated. The school department said it would "monitor the needs of students" on buses this afternoon and that emergency personnel would distribute bottled water when it's necessary.

It also advised parents to dress their children in light, loose-fitting clothes, to limit physical activity and keep them in air-conditioning when possible.

Parents with questions can call the Parent Call Center at 456-0686.

Classes will be dismissed early tomorrow in the Bristol-Warren public school districts and in Seekonk, Mass., due to the forecasted excessive heat.

“It’s unbearable in the buildings,” Seekonk schools Supt. Emile Chevrette said this afternoon of his school system, where only a handful of classrooms have air conditioning. “It’s very difficult for learning to take place in these conditions. It’s best to take precautions.”

North Providence Public Schools say they will dismiss classes tomorrow after lunch. Tiverton public schools also say they will dismiss classes early.

Keep up with notices of closings and dismissals via this service provided by the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association.

Read tips from the state Department of Health for protecting yourself from hot weather.

-- Journal staff writer John Castellucci, Meaghan Wims and The Associated Press reports

In Pawtucket, the Department of Public Works, which has many employees who work outside, no one was being sent home early, but outdoor activities were being cut back and monitored, DPW Director John E. Carney said.

Workers in DPW’s sanitation division started early, at 6 a.m., instead of 7 a.m., Carney said, so they could finish their trash collection routes before the humidity became oppressive and the heat became intense.

Over in Seekonk, Mass., those lucky enough to have the day off were cooling off.

The Seekonk Swimming & Tennis Club, on Davis Street, has been busy all weekend. On Sunday, says manager Kim Pellerin, “It was flying.”

Today during school hours, “a lot of moms and little kids” were enjoying the club’s 170,000-gallon main pool and baby pool, with water temperatures at about 76 degrees. Pellerin said she expected many Pawtucket kids would soon arrive at the club for a dip with school dismissing early.

Those looking to cool off at Rhode Island beaches should know that two beaches -- Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick and Mackerel Cove Beach in Jamestown -- are closed because of high bacteria counts.

Posted by Jack Perry at 4:10 PM | Permalink

Comments

The only reason why Providence won't dismiss early is because they don't know how!

What a lie water bottles I have yet to see one and it was 106 degrees in my unairconditioned class!

Jane | June 9, 2008 8:34 PM link

They should close the schools--They are like factories--No "Private Sector" employee would work in those conditions--I wonder if Ed Achorn is enjoying a/c at the Journal? Does Valerie Forte has a/c at her office???

M James | June 9, 2008 9:21 PM link

I think all schools should be let out early.. The hottest part of a day is between Noon and 3 pm.....

Flo | June 10, 2008 6:38 AM link

June 9, 2008

Update: Heat wave putting pressure on area schools

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