Due to the excessive heat waves that struck Iowa from the months of July and August, schools across the state were affected in similar ways.
The most prominent signs of the excessive heat began in early July with record breaking temperatures such as the hottest day recorded to date. Furthermore, “The Washington Post” stated that 2023 was on track to becoming the hottest year on record.
As the numbers continued to rise, the proximity of the beginning of the school year also drew near.
For North Polk, school went on as normal, with the only reference to the heat outside was a table near the main entrance filled with bottles of water and a sign that stated “Stay Hydrated.” In regards to this table, administrative assistant Connie Pitcher regarded that the water was leftover from concessions and was being passed on to students for free.
In contrast to the normal outlook at North Polk, other schools were not so fortunate to continue their first few days without some mishaps.
Many of the schools of the Des Moines metropolitan area were closed early on Thursday, Aug. 24, on only the second day of school. Classes for many Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) ended at 11:40 a.m. for elementary students and 12:25 p.m. for middle and high school students. Furthermore, football games in schools such as Des Moines North and Des Moines East were delayed and rescheduled.
For some students, such as Roosevelt High School junior Ivan Hyde, ending the days earlier was an adequate decision.
“Inside classrooms it was warm and muggy, there were a few classes that it was extremely uncomfortable to be in due to how hot it was,” stated Hyde. Furthermore he concluded that there wasn’t much alleviation in the building in regards to the heat.
In an interview with “The Des Moines Register”, DMPS Superintendent Dr. Ian Roberts said that the decision to give early dismissals was for the safety and consideration of students, staff and bus drivers.
“I don’t want the high heat and humidity to put the health and well-being of any student or staff member at risk,” concluded Roberts.
The Johnston Community School District also released a statement on their website that schools would end early on both the first and second day of school due to some rooms not being cooled sufficiently for classes.
While the heat seems to be decreasing in relation to previous weeks, temperatures for upcoming days still range from high seventies to early eighties, and it is still important to take it into consideration.
