CPS take precautions to keep students cool amid high temperatures

CHICAGO – All across Chicago, bookbags are being filled up and clothes are being picked out as Monday brings the first day of school, along with some very high temperatures.

Summer sights and sounds were floating around Montrose Beach Sunday afternoon as Chicago’s youth soaked up the last few hours of their summer vacation.

“We came down to the beach, got our cousins, tried to fish but didn’t catch anything,” Will McAvoy said.

“I went to sleepaway camp for the first time. It was fun,” Will’s brother, Nate McAvoy, said.

While the fish weren’t biting for the McAvoy brothers, they’re ready to kick off the school year.

Their youngest brother, Duncan McAvoy, said he’s working toward being a hockey player, while soon to be second-grader Elijah isn’t quite sure yet on his career goals, but mom will still be waking him up early Monday morning.

For musicians Daniel Perez and Victoria Flores, Monday will bring the first day of college for them.

“Going to Wright College freshman year, music and arts now, hopefully music at four-year college,” Perez said.

“I’m a little nervous, but I think it’ll be a breeze, good new environment,” Flores added.

Due to the high temperatures, special measures are being taken to make sure school buildings across Chicago are cool and comfortable.

Chicago Public Schools said in regard to the intense heat:

• All classrooms have air conditioning and they’re working with school leaders to ensure every building is comfortable, while also working with OEMC.
• All outdoor athletic competitions scheduled for Monday and Tuesday have been canceled.
• Outdoor practices for the next couple of days will be moved indoors or canceled if needed.
• Recess and physical education classes for Monday and Tuesday will also be held inside.

The Chicago Teacher’s Union also sent WGN News a statement, saying in part:

“Students should never have to worry about extreme heat disrupting their learning. Extreme heat highlights the need for decisive and swift action to modernize our aging school buildings, many of which were n ever equipped for today’s climate. We are negotiating a facilities plan in our contract with CPS that would address cooling issues long before the first day of school.”

The school district added that if an air conditioning unit is not working for whatever reason, they will bring in temporary cooling systems while repairs are made.

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