Oak Park Elementary School District 97 was ready to take on the heat this week as the district informed families of its plan to ensure the schools are kept as cool as possible amid “extreme” heat early this week.
The district emailed parents and posted a message to its website on Aug. 25 communicating the plan to ensure students and faculty are safe and cool during the heatwave. The district returned to session for the 2024-25 school year on Thursday, Aug. 22.
According to the National Weather Service, the heat wave has been affecting the Chicagoland area and reached “extreme” levels on Tuesday, Aug. 27. As of 9:57 a.m. on Aug. 27, the National Weather Service reported excessive heat warnings with “dangerously hot conditions” with a heat index up to 110 to 115 F expected.
D97 chose to remain open and in-person on Monday and Tuesday, the reported days the heat wave is expected to be at its most intense, but after-school sports and activities were canceled out of an “abundance of caution,” district officials said via the statement.
D97 informed families that while air conditioning can be found throughout some classrooms, others that don’t have air conditioning might need to be temporarily moved into cool common areas, such as the library or cafeteria, and or utilize portable air conditioning units.
Water breaks will also be provided throughout the day, officials said, adding that physical education classes and recesses will be held indoors.
Amanda Siegfried, the district spokesperson, said D97 staff went out during the night on Sunday to purchase extra cases of water and make sure the district had enough portable air conditioning units.
“They conducted walk-throughs of our buildings earlier today [Monday] and have been in communication with principals throughout the day to ensure that we are responsive to any issue that arises,” Siegfried said via email to Wednesday Journal on Monday, Aug. 26.
The National Weather Service recommends people drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned rooms, and check up on relatives or neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles and “extra precautions” should be taken in spending time outside.
The district encourages families to bring a full and reusable water bottle to school along with wearing weather appropriate clothing.
Parents are also encouraged to ensure prompt drop-off and pick-ups and allow extra time for travel.
Other local school district also put measures into place to help students stay cool.
Stephanie Rath, director of communications and community relations for River Forest Public School District 90, said recess and PE classes were held indoors, after-school athletics and all outdoor activities where either cancelled or moved indoors and students are required to head home directly after school.
Oak Park and River Forest High School also kept PE classes indoors, said Karin Sullivan, executive director of communications for the high school district. Some athletic teams also choose to hold their practices at 6 a.m. rather than in the afternoon, while others are practicing indoors, Sullivan said.
The excessive heat warnings are expected to remain in effect until 10 p.m. on Tuesday.
Update: This story was updated on Tuesday, Aug. 27 3:10 p.m. to include information from OPRF High School District 200 and River Forest Public School District 90.