Middletown Elementary, Middle Schools Dismissing Early Because of Heat

Middletown elementary and middle schools will dismiss early Tuesday in anticipation of more hot weather.

Supt. Patricia Charles announced the decision in a letter to parents on Friday.

"When temperatures are hot outside, the conditions in a classroom can be even hotter when fileld with students. It is exacerbated when we have multiple days in a row of high temperatures," Charles wrote in the letter. "This week our schools saw an increase in headaches, stomach aches, and asthma-related issues due to the difficult conditions."

Charles said the middle schools will dismiss at 12:15 p.m. and the elementary schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. Students will be served lunch prior to dismissal.

Afternoon preschool has been canceled, but the Kids' Korner after-school program will remain open.

Because the high school is fully air conditioned, it will operate on a normal schedule. The district's athletic director will keep an eye on heat and humidity and will notify sports coaches about the possibility of modified after-school practices, according to Charles.

"I assure you that I will continue to discuss the need for air conditioning throughout our schools," Charles wrote. "Between global warming and regional school calendars that start earlier in August, it is an issue we must address."