The high temperatures we endured throughout June and July may have led some to believe that August and September would be cooler.
Unfortunately our normal August heat wave has arrived just in time to force some schools into early dismissals.
The return of 90 degree temperatures to the Heartland means a break for some students. Four Catholic schools will be letting out early while this mini heat wave continues. But teachers are juggling classes to make sure none of the students fall behind.
Even with the lights out and every available fan going the temperature inside Cecelia Crown's 3rd grade classroom quickly climbs too high for learning.
Cecelia Crown says, "You start seeing their eyes drooping, they get fidgety and they're uncomfortable. It is a very uncomfortable feeling."
Early dismissal can be a problem for some families but James Williams is happy to wait outside Saints Peter and Paul school for his grandchildren.
James Williams says, "The kids are getting out early because of the heat and my two daughters are working and can't be here so grandpa has to be here to pick them up."
Not every family can juggle the schedule and arrange an early pickup.
Principal Chris Nelson says, "We try to accommodate by having our "extended care" open so they can stay after school in that program until parents can come and pick them up."
The abbreviated schedule will last just as long as the heat wave and the early dismissals will be announced one day prior to those dismissals.
The four Catholic schools; Holy Cross, Holy Ghost, St. Bernadette and Saints Peter and Paul will dismiss at 1pm on Wednesday as well.
Two Iowa schools; Essex and South Page have announced they will dismiss early all this week.
