Going back to school in August means we have hot, potentially harmful, temperatures to contend with. Later this week we expect temperatures to be in the 90s and heat index values to be even higher. We want to help you understand the CPS and Hamilton protocols for hot weather to ensure our students are safe from heat related ailments.
Decisions are based around the heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, which is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.
We also take into account the time of day and whether the outdoor play area is in the sun or shade. Whether recess and Physical Education classes are held outdoors will be determined throughout the day as weather conditions change.
On warm weather days especially, please send your children to school with a full water bottle. Our teachers and staff help younger students refill their bottles throughout the day. Older students are responsible for their own water bottles.
You can also apply sunscreen to your children before school in the morning. Teachers are unable to apply sunscreen throughout the day but if your child knows how to apply it themselves you can send sunscreen with them.
If you are picking your child up after school at 2:45pm, consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, sun glasses, and offer a high water content snack like grapes, watermelon, strawberries, or bell peppers. Make sure they’re drinking plenty of fluids. Stay away from really cold drinks or drinks with too much sugar.
The CDC recommends that everyone should take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and death during hot weather:
Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can.
Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and sunscreen.
Pace yourself.
Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
Check on friends and neighbors and have someone check on you.
Never leave children or pets in cars.
Check the local news for health and safety updates.
If heat watch or warning advisories are declared by the National Weather Service, Hamilton, along with all CPS schools, will follow specific protocols and guidelines to ensure student safety. These measures include, but are not limited to, drawing shades in rooms to keep sunlight out, turning off overhead lights, computers and appliances when not required for instruction, move classes from rooms exposed to sunlight to interior or lower-level rooms.
Our recess monitors and PE Teachers are aware of the signs of heat exposure issues. If a student exhibits warning symptoms of heat-related illnesses they will be treated accordingly.
Information on excessive heat protocols has been shared with after school care programs.
Hamilton Administration also monitors the air quality index and will make indoor/outdoor recess decisions if needed.