A Message to Families: Heat Advisory for Thursday & Friday

Dear Families:

The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerous heat for our area on Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 90s and high humidity pushing heat index values near or just above 100 degrees. Friday is expected to be the warmest day, with little overnight cooling beforehand.

With just days remaining in the school year, we want to keep students learning while keeping them safe and comfortable. Our staff will be monitoring conditions closely and adjusting outdoor activities, recess, and physical education as needed. You can help by sending your child to school prepared for the heat.

How you can help your child stay cool:

• Send a labeled, refillable water bottle. Hydration is the single most important step. Encourage your child to drink water before, during, and after the school day, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
• Dress for the weather. Lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable clothing helps the body stay cool. A hat is helpful for any time spent outdoors.
• Start the day hydrated and fueled. A good breakfast and a glass of water in the morning go a long way. Limit sugary and caffeinated drinks, which can contribute to dehydration.
• Apply sunscreen if your child may be outdoors, and pack some for reapplication where appropriate.
• Talk about the warning signs. Remind your child to tell an adult right away if they feel dizzy, nauseous, unusually tired, or have a headache, and to take it easy during outdoor play.

For students with health considerations:

If your child has a medical condition affected by heat (such as asthma or a condition requiring medication), please reach out to your building nurse so we can plan appropriate accommodations.

A note on afternoon weather:

In addition to the heat, there is a chance of strong-to-severe thunderstorms on Thursday and Friday afternoons and evenings. With athletics at the high school having concluded for the season, no practices or games will take place. Please watch for any updates from the district or your child’s school regarding any other after-school or outdoor activities, and we will communicate promptly if any schedule changes become necessary.

What we are doing:

Our team is taking steps to keep students comfortable throughout the day, including ensuring students have access to water, limiting outdoor exposure during the hottest parts of the day, and monitoring conditions in our buildings. Where appropriate, recess and physical education may be moved indoors or modified, and staff in all of our schools will be attentive to students’ needs and respond as conditions warrant.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our students safe and healthy as we finish the school year strong. Please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s school with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

David Ljungberg, Superintendent of Schools

Mark LaBossiere, Principal, Taft Early Learning Center

Leanne DeMarco, Principal, Whitin Intermediate School

Dr. Michael Rubin, Principal, Uxbridge High School