Minneapolis moves 14 schools to e-learning due to extreme heat

Student attendance varies at MPS due to heat, excused absences

With the school year set to continue another two weeks for Minneapolis Public Schools students to make up for lost days during a teachers’ union strike earlier in the year, those attending are finding their classes often empty.

MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Minneapolis Public Schools is moving its not fully air-conditioned schools to e-learning on Tuesday, June 14 with extremely high temperatures in the forecast.

Schools impacted are: Anthony, Anwatin, Bryn Mawr, Field, Hiawatha, Kenny, Kenwood, Lake Harriet Lower, Lake Harriet Upper, Longfellow, Northrup, Pratt, Roosevelt and Sheridan. These buildings will be closed to the public.

All other schools will continue with in-person learning at their school sites. All after-school activities and Minneapolis Kids for not fully air-conditioned schools are canceled. Cold lunches are available at schools for pick up and MPS shared meal resources for families whose buildings will be closed Tuesday.

Extra two weeks for Minneapolis schools

While most schools across Minnesota are beginning their summer schedule, Minneapolis Public Schools will continue its spring curriculum this week after the semester was extended due to the teachers strike earlier this year. That teachers strike lasted for three weeks back in March. As result, Minneapolis Public Schools students will remain in the classroom deep into June.

The state requires a minimum number of instruction days, so students will continue going to school through June 24 to make up for the missed class time.

MPS plans for heat

The district also monitors the forecast from the National Weather Service. Just as the district has a plan for snow and cold in the winter, it also has guidelines to cancel class for excessive heat, which is defined as:

A heat index of at least 105 degrees for more than three hours a day for two consecutive days, or
More than 115 degrees for any period of time, or
When the heat index is between 91 and 103 for at least three consecutive days

Will Minneapolis schools close for heat during added 2 weeks?

The MPS teachers strike lasted for three weeks in March. As result, Minneapolis Public Schools students will remain in the classroom deep into June. But as many as 15 schools do not have air conditioning, and temperatures will go into the 90s this week.

MPS criteria to close schools

Minneapolis will close schools for weather based on:

The safety and well-being of students and staff
The severity of the weather (extreme cold, flooding, heat, etc.)
Timing of weather (overnight, weekend, etc.)
The ability for buses and cars to travel safely

If it does get too hot during the final weeks of school, the superintendent can call an e-learning day of which there are only four available remaining.

Stay safe in extreme heat

Source: www.ready.gov/heat

Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness and recommended first aid steps.

Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. If you don’t have access to air conditioning at home, find places in your community with AC, such as a local cooling center.

Keep your home as cool as possible. Roughly 40% of unwanted heat buildup in our homes is through windows. Use awnings or curtains to keep the heat out, and check the weather stripping on doors and windows to keep the cool air in.

If you must be outside, find shade. Avoid strenuous activity, cover your head with a hat wide enough to protect your face and wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.

NEVER leave people or pets in a parked car.