Preparing for a Hot Start to the 2024-25 School Year
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory as temperatures are predicted to be in the high 90s with heat indices from 105-110 degrees on Monday, August 26, the first day of school at Des Moines Public Schools. Superintendent Ian Roberts and school district leaders are monitoring updates from the National Weather Service. At this time, school hours will continue as scheduled, although outdoor activities will be impacted.
Note: If there is an update to school hours on Monday, families and staff will be notified by email, text message, Snap Connect, the news media, and district social media channels. No update means school hours continue as normal.
Some steps and information in anticipation of the warm start to the school year include:
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
- 100% of DMPS classrooms are air conditioned.
- Air conditioning has been running around the clock to best maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
- All DMPS school buildings are fitted with hydration stations; students and staff are encouraged to bring and use personal water bottles.
SCHOOL BUSES
- Most school buses are not air conditioned; riders should expect these vehicles to be warm throughout the day.
- Bus drivers will take steps and follow protocols to make buses as comfortable as possible given the weather conditions, including opening all windows and vents and turning on fans.
- Parents are encouraged to make sure students have a refillable water bottle with them; some bottled water will also be available on school buses.
OUTDOOR EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
- If the heat index is at or exceeds 100 degrees, outdoor recess, events and activities will be canceled, rescheduled or moved indoors.
- Activities directors or coaches will inform students of any changes to practice schedules.
RESOURCES
The following provides additional information on remaining safe during extreme hot weather: