Schools make changes to protect students during excessive heat

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — As a heatwave continues across the Miami Valley, students are facing hot temperatures at school and on the field.

Some districts are cancelling class and outdoor extracurriculars while temperatures soar. Tipp City Schools already made the decision to push back their football game tomorrow night.

2 NEWS stopped by the district to see what they’re doing to keep students cool on the field and in the classroom.

“As the week has gone on, our temps are not cooling at night, which in turn does not cool the building,” said Tina Smith, Broadway Elementary principal.

To combat the heat, schools are using lots of fans in classrooms and plenty of water bottle breaks.

Smith says the heat makes it harder for students to concentrate — that’s why the district is releasing elementary and middle school students early this week.

“We do think about the learning capacity of the students and their ability to actually retain information when they’re trying to just cool themselves down,” said Smith.

As some students get released early, many Friday night football games will start a little late.

“You worry about the players, you worry about the band, you worry about the students, you worry about the cheerleaders,” said Matt Burgbacher, Tippecanoe head football coach.

The Tippecanoe Red Devils home game against the Fairborn Skyhawks will start at 8 p.m. on Friday instead of 7 p.m.

Burgbacher says it’ll give the turf field a chance to cool down as the sun sets.

“Could we start at seven? Absolutely, but we’re going to take that precaution of, hey, let’s try to let it cool down a little bit so we can go out there and play under more normal conditions,” said Burgbacher.

Dr. Joseph Allen with Premier Health says hydration and later start times are a good way to keep kids safe — but parents and coaches are another line of defense against heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Dr. Joseph Allen regional medical director premier health “Kids may not realize they need to get inside of the cold or get some water,” said Allen. “And so being able to see them interact and say, oh, that kid’s not acting right, pull them out and go get them. The attention they need is all very pertinent.”

Burgbacher says all week he’s focused on acclimating his players to the heat for Friday night. They’ve shortened outdoor practices, loosened uniform requirements and encouraged extra hydration.

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