News Summary
In response to record-high temperatures forecasted in Denver, Public Schools have canceled classes at 13 schools for August 21. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures nearing 99°F, prompting early dismissals at schools like Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8. Despite the cancellation, normal bus services will operate. DPS is addressing air conditioning issues with plans to ensure all schools are equipped by 2028, while parental concerns about classroom heat continue to grow. Poudre School District has also announced early dismissals for safety.
Denver, CO – In a proactive response to anticipated record-high temperatures, Denver Public Schools (DPS) has announced the cancellation of classes at 13 schools for August 21, 2025. The National Weather Service forecasts temperatures could soar to nearly 99 degrees Fahrenheit in the Denver area on that day, prompting the decision to prioritize student safety and well-being.
The schools affected by this closure include Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8. Johnson Elementary is set to dismiss students early at 12:30 PM, while Bryant Webster will release its students at 12:20 PM. To ensure that students are not sent home on an empty stomach, both schools will provide lunch before their early dismissal.
Normal bus services will continue to run, aligning with the adjusted dismissal times. This adjustment aims to accommodate families while ensuring that students are safely transported home amid the extreme weather conditions.
DPS officials have acknowledged the challenges that can arise from sudden school closures, particularly regarding working parents and planned family arrangements. Notifications regarding heat-related closures or early dismissals are sent directly to families by 5 PM the evening prior to any changes, as part of the district’s efforts to keep parents informed.
In conjunction with these closures, all Little Links and Discovery Link programming at the affected schools will also be canceled, further supporting the move to prioritize student health during extreme heat conditions.
Efforts to improve air conditioning in DPS schools have been ongoing. A bond worth nearly $1 billion was passed last year, allocating $240 million toward the installation of air conditioning systems in schools. Despite the progress made, 27 schools in the district are still without air conditioning. Notably, Doull Elementary and Ellis Elementary have completed their air conditioning installations before the school year commenced.
The district has set an ambitious goal to have all schools equipped with air conditioning by the year 2028. However, complications in some locations have resulted in delays. For instance, issues related to asbestos found at Skinner Middle School have postponed the air conditioning installation, with completion now expected in 2026.
Parents have expressed growing frustration regarding the ongoing heat conditions in classrooms and delays in air conditioning projects, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to ensure a comfortable learning environment for students.
In a related move, Poudre School District has also announced plans to release most of its schools early on August 21 due to the dangerous heat forecast. This move aligns with a growing recognition of the impact that extreme temperatures can have on student safety and learning conditions.
As the summer heat reaches significant levels, school districts and families alike are left to seek solutions for enjoyable and safe educational experiences. The proactive measures being taken by DPS and Poudre School District reflect a broader commitment to student welfare amid the challenges posed by climate conditions.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Multiple Denver schools cancel classes early release due to extreme heat
- Wikipedia: Denver Public Schools
- Denver Post: Denver schools closed due to heat
- Google Search: Denver heat wave 2025
- KDVR: Extreme heat cancels classes in Denver Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Extreme Weather
- 9News: Extreme heat forces classroom closures in Denver
- Google News: Denver schools closure August 2025
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