North Penn School District has announced it will operate on an early dismissal schedule for students at Pennbrook, Pennfield, and Penndale middle schools due to a September heat wave that has classroom temperatures approaching 90 degrees in the three schools.
The statement from North Penn Superintendent Todd Bauer reads, in full:
Dear Middle School Families,
While today was the first of the scheduled Heat Protocol days at district middle schools, we have continued to monitor classroom temperatures throughout last night and the day today. Classroom temperatures have continued to rise and with forecasted overnight lows only going down to 70 degrees each of the next two nights, temperatures will continue to rise in our buildings. As of 12:55 p.m. today, each of the three middle schools have classrooms that are approaching 90-degree temperatures, which does not take the humidity into account. We have made the decision to dismiss our middle schools at 11:50 a.m. each of the next two days.
On Thursday, Sept. 7, and Friday, Sept. 8, all North Penn middle schools will dismiss at 11:50 a.m. Similar to today, families may determine whether students attend in person or virtually. Classes will run on a modified schedule with all classes meeting prior to dismissal. Lunch will not be served. Transportation will still be provided for ninth-grade students who attend classes at North Penn High School and North Montco Technical Career Center (NMTCC)students will still attend NMTCC. Additionally, all middle school after-school activities and athletic events will be canceled.
Making determinations on early dismissals is not taken lightly. While we may have one day in the 90s, an evening that allows us to cool the building makes a significant difference. Tomorrow will be the fourth day in a row where the daytime temperatures have been in the 90s and evening temperatures did not dip below 70.
I appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we navigate this September heat wave and look forward to getting all students back to full in-person learning beginning Monday, Sept. 11. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact your building principal.
Sincerely,
Todd M. Bauer
Superintendent
The topic of the three schools lacking air conditioning has been a focal point for some parents in recent years. According to a North Penn Now report from September 2021, district officials said it would cost upwards of $30 million to install air conditioning in the three middle schools, and any serious discussions on the topic would not occur until 2028 at the earliest.
The report adds that needed renovations at North Penn High School would take priority over air conditioning at the middle schools, with officials stating the addition of a ninth-grade center on the high school campus and a potential grade realignment would potentially allow the district to consolidate the middle schools into two schools. At that point, they could then begin planning to install air conditioning in the two remaining middle schools, with Penndale being the school most likely to close.
To read more from that report, click here.
See also:
North Penn High School Tours, Renderings of Proposed Renovations Slated for September
Data Analysis Reframes Pennsylvania’s Education Issues
NPSD Receives Energy Hero Award From Propane Council
North Penn School District Receives Disability Inclusive Curriculum Grant
North Penn School Board to Consider Referendum on Funding for High School Renovation
