Heat Will Close All Twp. Schools Early on Wed., Thurs.

With temperature highs predicted in the high 90s or up to 100 degrees over the next two days, township Superintendent of Schools Valerie Goger notified parents on Tuesday afternoon that school will let out early on Wednesday and Thursday.

The middle and high school students will be dismissed at noon, and the school day at the district's four elementary schools will end at 1 p.m. on both days, Goger said in an email sent out to township parents.

"Many of our classrooms, cafeterias, and large assembly rooms across the district are not air conditioned," Goger explained in the email. Portions of the schools are air conditioned.

Lunches will not be served on either day, although elementary school students are welcome to bring a snack, according to the superintendent.

The full day preschool program at Mount Prospect Elementary School will dismiss at 1 p.m., the superintendent said. The PEACH/PALS/ program and the morning preschool program will let out at noon, she said. The district's afternoon preschool program is canceled, Goger said in the email.

Awards Night at Ridge High School still is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Goger said.

The annual year-end Field Day event at Cedar Hill  Elementary School also is still on to be held on Wednesday, since the activities are scheduled to end in late morning, Goger said.

Goger said the long-range weather forecast for next week is milder. "Hopefully, we can maintain our regular schedule for the last remaining days of the school year," the email said. Final exams are scheduled to begin next Wednesday at Ridge High School.

"We understand that this action will cause disruption in many families’ childcare arrangements and appreciate your understanding," Goger said in the email. "When classroom temperatures soar into the nineties, we worry about the health and safety of our students and staff, and only make a decision to close early when we believe that it is in their absolute best interest."