Because of the high heat and high relative humidity predicted for tomorrow, I am declaring another Minimum Day for Wednesday, September 17th. “Minimum Day” means that all schools will begin at their regular times, but all schools shall end the day at 12:30 PM. For those who need lunch, sack lunches will be available for purchase/pick-up in the lunch area at dismissal.
In order to provide for the safety of students and staff, the Governing Board authorized me to close a school site, change the regular school day schedule, or take any necessary action when hazardous environmental or weather conditions or other emergencies warrant. This is according to Board Policy 3516.5.
The Governing Board allows me to make this declaration based upon the knowledge that many of the CUSD classrooms are not air-conditioned and occasionally suffer from extreme and unhealthy temperatures. Heat Release events apply to the student schedule; faculty and staff are expected to continue their normal schedule and contracted workday hours as directed by their immediate supervisor.
My decision of a Heat Release Day hinges on information provided by reputable forecasts consisting of a temperature or heat index of 90 degrees or higher and/or a high temperature forecast for more than one day. To determine such events we use the factors of ambient air temperature, heat index, air pollution standards, etc., as they are reported on the National Weather Service’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Heat Index is the temperature the body feels when heat and humidity are combined. Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the Heat Index by up to 15°F. We are experiencing a high relative humidity event due to Hurricane Odile currently moving toward Arizona and New Mexico in the next few days.
About 237 Americans succumb to the taxing demands of heat every year. Our bodies dissipate heat by varying the rate and depth of blood circulation, by losing water through the skin and sweat glands, and as a last resort, by panting, when blood is heated above 98.6°F. Sweating cools the body through evaporation. However, high relative humidity retards evaporation, robbing the body of its ability to cool itself. When heat gain exceeds the level the body can remove, body temperature begins to rise, and heat related illnesses and disorders may develop. This is an event I am attempting to prevent as the Heat Index tends rise to unhealthy conditions in classrooms that are not air conditioned. As you know, most of the Coronado Unified School District classrooms are not air conditioned.
Therefore, tomorrow Wednesday September 17th will be a Minimum Day. This means that all students should report to school at their regular time, but the day will end for all schools at 12:30 PM.
For complete information on the Coronado Unified School District Heat Release Guidelines, go to http://www.coronadousd.net .
