Heat Related Changes at Des Moines Public Schools
Polk County is currently under a heat advisory through 10:00 PM on Tuesday, August 27. Due to the forecast for excessive heat over the next two days, some classes and activities at Des Moines Public Schools are impacted. The following changes are in effect for both Monday and Tuesday.
SCAVO/McKEE EARLY DISMISSAL
Scavo Alternative High School and the McKee Alternative Education Center are not air conditioned; both schools will be dismissing early. Scavo will dismiss at 1:30 PM and McKee will dismiss at 12:15 PM.
All other DMPS schools will dismiss at their normal times. (NOTE: 100% of elementary and middle school classrooms in Des Moines are air conditioned; 88.7% of high school classrooms are air conditioned.)
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
High school athletics will hold modified practices with unlimited water break opportunities for students. If you have questions about a specific team, please contact the school’s activities director.
Middle school athletics will not hold outdoor practices. Students should report for indoor sessions; shuttle buses will run on their normal schedules.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RECESS
Elementary schools will follow temperature guidelines from the Iowa Department of Public Health in regard to outdoor activities. If the heat index is over 90 degrees, outdoor activities will be limited or shortened; if the heat index is over 100 degrees, outdoor activities will be cancelled.
The following documents contain additional information relating to the above announcement:
