September 2023: Milwaukee Schools Let Out Early Due To Extreme Heat
"Thousands of students headed back to class on Tuesday, Sept. 5 – including in Milwaukee. But those students will not be there for long because of our extreme heat. Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) says breakfast and lunch will be served with course work in between – and then kids will head home. All after-school, recreation, and sports programs are also canceled for the day."
Milwaukee Public Schools Closed Early On The First Day Of School Due To Extreme Heat
"“Gov. Tony Evers greeted students under a balloon arch at Maryland Montessori School on Tuesday, the first day of school for thousands of Milwaukee students…A few hours after drop-off, MPS closed schools for the afternoon because of the heat, with most of the district's buildings lacking air conditioning. Still, many parents said they were optimistic about the school year. Their children were excited to see beloved teachers and friends. For some, the half-day off was a welcome way to ease into the school year…Tuesday was the third day this school year that MPS students had to miss school because of heat.” "
Schools In Milwaukee Postponed First Day Of Class In 2024 Due To Heat Wave
"“The extreme heat forecast for southeast Wisconsin is forcing some schools to change the start date of the school year. Officials at St. Roman Parish School (1810 W. Bolivar Avenue) on Milwaukee’s south side said they have made the decision to postpone the start of school until Wednesday, Aug. 28 – due to the heat forecast. St. Roman’s first day of school was scheduled for Monday, Aug. 26.” "
Late season heat wave with temperatures in the 90s set records in Milwaukee.
Excessive Heat Warnings were issued for Milwaukee with heat indexes forecasted as high as 108.
Baseman: “Our teachers have worked so very, very hard through really tough conditions.”
“ALERT: MPS schools will dismiss early Tuesday, September 5, 2023, due to extreme heat.” – Milwaukee Public Schools.
“We want to make sure our students, staff and community is safe.” – MPS Superintendent Keith Posley.
“I would appreciate air conditioners for the late school year and early school year.” – Alice Kirtley, fourth grader.
“It definitely throws a mix that you're not ready for. You got to find childcare or you have to leave work early or call your job and tell them you're going to be late.” – Elgin Harris, parent
Gina Styer, Director of Communication at Seton Catholic Schools: “I don't think opening the windows is going to do much for these classrooms.”
Parent Claudia Graciano: “It's difficult. At least for me, I'm not working, but for parents that do, it's a challenge to find someone to take care of your kids last minute due to the sudden changes.”
May 2022: Extreme Heat Shutters Schools in Appleton, Wisconsin
"The Appleton Area School District canceled all classes and events Friday, May 13. The cancellation includes all activities and evening events Friday. In a notice to parents, the school district cited extreme heat and ‘higher than average’ staff absences. Friday’s First Alert Weather forecast calls for a high of 87 degrees, but the humidity will make it feel even warmer."
Superintendent Judy Baseman: “Yesterday was extremely difficult for staff and students.”
Post Crescent: “Several staff members left early Thursday because of headaches or other illness that seemed to be due in part to the heat…at least one staff member left due to heatstroke.”
Baseman: “Of course, we had fans, the teachers do a great job of doing everything they can, but it came to a point at which we were seeing conditions that we didn’t feel were safe for the kids or students today.”
Appleton parent Emily Tseffos: “After hearing from two of my children who are in rooms that are not air conditioned and their teachers, and talking with other parents, I think it was the right call.”
Tseffos: “On Facebook on the ‘Buy Nothing’ groups, I saw a number of teachers asking for fans for their classroom.”
Baseman: “Our teachers have worked so very, very hard through really tough conditions.”
