DENVER – Oakland Elementary School in Denver will be released at 12:45 p.m. because the school lost power and temperatures are expected to reach the high 90s in Denver Monday afternoon.
Denver Public Schools said students would be released to family members if they show identification. Students who normally ride the bus will be able to do so, and the district said kindergarteners will have to be met at the bus stop by a family member if they don’t have older siblings to walk home with.
The district said there was also no phone service at the school. It is asking parents with questions about transportation to call 720-423-4600, option 1. Additional questions can be directed to Principal Charles Babb at 720-840-5383.
The district said that staff would stay at the school with all children until they are picked up by a family member.
“We apologize for any inconvenience this causes our families,” the district said. “The decision was made with the safety and well-being of our students and staff as our highest priority.”
On Sunday, Denver7 profiled a family who said conditions inside some DPS classrooms without air conditioning or with small units were “absolutely brutal.”
DPS spokesperson Will Jones on Friday sent Denver7 a statement about what the district would be doing about the heat in schools without central air conditioning:
Staff members at schools have taken added precautions to proactively mitigate the heat. Portable cooling units and fans are on site at buildings that do not have air conditioning. Facility managers at each school facility are checking ventilation systems to ensure that the units are operating properly.
DPS Facility Management staff members will use thermometers throughout the days to record temperatures inside the buildings and alert appropriate staff to any extreme heat conditions. Heat day guidelines and tips have been provided to assist educators in monitoring and maintaining appropriate temperatures in our facilities.
Additionally, educators will be on alert to observe students and, if students are exhibiting symptoms related to heat-related illness, will contact the school nurse and/or other medical providers for assistance as soon as possible.
Appropriate procedures have been put in place to determine if a closure is deemed necessary.