Local schools work to keep students cool as temperatures rise
Between Holyoke and Springfield, there are nearly 80 public schools that will be following hot weather protocols. Many schools in Springfield were built before air conditioners were available. Now, there is AC in about 50% of the buildings.
Canadian wildfire smoke brings hazy skies to Massachusetts
The school district is working with the Massachusetts School Building Authority to help fund renovations to the rest. In the next five years, all the schools should have AC units.
In the meantime, classes will be held in cooler areas, fans will always be working, and shades will be pulled down when needed. Nurses will also monitor students for heat-related incidents, and they say parents can help too.
'We rely on our families to send their students to school prepared, wearing light clothing, and with water bottles,' said Azell Cavaan, CCO of Springfield Public Schools. 'We encourage students to stay hydrated during the course of the day.'
While the HVAC systems and ACs are working in all Holyoke schools, their hot weather protocols include limiting recess and physical education. When it gets too hot, schools may be closed early or for the day.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
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