Milford Public Schools Preparing For Extreme Heat

MILFORD, CT – Dr. Anna Cutaia, superintendent of schools, said in a prepared statement an early dismissal is a possibility for schools in the district due to the weather calling for high heat and humidity.

Cutaia said during high heat and humidity, the conditions in our non-air-conditioned classrooms can become unbearable and, in some cases, dangerous to the health of students and staff. Therefore, an early dismissal is a possibility. If an early dismissal is called, no afternoon preschool classes will be scheduled.

Cutaia said if you have a child in an after-school program in one of the schools, the childcare program will be closed.

Early dismissal for all schools will follow the current schedule:

• Elementary School will be 1:25 p.m.
• Middle School will be 12:45 p.m.
• Jonathan Law/Joseph Foran High Schools will be at 11:58 a.m.
• The Academy will be 11:00 a.m.

With temperatures and dew points climbing through the mid and upper 60s and the low 70s during Wednesday and Thursday, meteorologists across Connecticut are stating that conditions will become oppressive at times, with the interiors of non-air-conditioned buildings becoming hot and stagnant.

In preparation, health officials advise students and staff to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, even if not thirsty.

Cutaia said All schools will allow for frequent water breaks, and each school will have a cooling plan if needed. As part of the cooling plan, we will also limit outdoor activities and make arrangements for intentional breaks in air-conditioned areas within the buildings to provide reprieve from the heat.

As related to athletics, this week, Cutaia said staff is closely monitoring the situation daily. Coaches will communicate with their teams when they have updated information regarding games and practices.

Milford Public Schools is asking parents to be prepared and make contingency plans.