News Summary
Denver Public Schools will cancel classes at 13 schools due to anticipated extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach nearly 99 degrees. Early dismissals are scheduled for specific schools, and efforts to improve air conditioning systems continue. The district prioritizes student health and safety as it addresses the challenges posed by rising temperatures during the summer months.
Denver – On August 21, 2025, Denver Public Schools (DPS) will cancel classes at 13 schools due to anticipated extreme heat. The decision comes as the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures soaring to near 99 degrees in the Denver area on that day.
Among the schools that will close are Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8. In addition to the closures, Johnson Elementary will dismiss its students early at 12:30 PM, while Bryant Webster will release at 12:20 PM. Both schools are expected to provide lunch to their students before dismissal, ensuring that children do not go hungry despite the early release. Furthermore, bus services will operate along their regular routes at the adjusted dismissal times for those schools releasing students earlier.
A spokesperson for DPS acknowledged that closure decisions can introduce unexpected challenges for families, particularly when adverse weather conditions arise. The district has committed to notifying families of any heat-related school closures or early dismissals by 5 PM the day before the decision is implemented.
All Little Links and Discovery Link programming will also be suspended at the schools that are closing. As extreme heat can impact both students and staff, the district’s actions aim to prioritize health and safety on such sweltering days.
DPS has been actively working to improve the air conditioning systems in its schools. A near $1 billion bond, passed last year, allocated $240 million specifically for this initiative, although challenges remain. Currently, 27 schools are still in need of air conditioning installations, highlighting the ongoing gap in infrastructure upgrades. Of note, Doull Elementary and Ellis Elementary successfully completed their air conditioning installations prior to the commencement of the school year. Meanwhile, the installation of air conditioning at Skinner Middle School has faced delays due to asbestos discovered on site, with the new completion date pushed back to 2026.
The urgency to upgrade cooling systems continues as parents have voiced their frustrations regarding the heat conditions within classrooms, particularly during peak summer months. The DPS aims to equip all schools with air conditioning by 2028, demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving the learning environment for students.
In addition to DPS, Poudre School District will also release most of its schools early on August 21 due to the same extreme heat forecast. This decision reflects a broader acknowledgment of the severe weather conditions affecting not only Denver but the surrounding areas as well.
As temperatures rise, the health and wellbeing of students remain a priority for educational institutions. The recent school closure decisions in Denver highlight the proactive measures being taken to manage safety concerns amid record high temperatures.
In summary, the combined efforts of local school districts to address these challenges reflect the critical need for responsive measures in the face of extreme weather, with continued advancements expected in the coming years as schools work towards better environmental conditions for students.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Multiple Denver schools cancel classes early release due to extreme heat
- Wikipedia: Denver Public Schools
- Denver Post: Denver schools closed due to heat
- Google Search: Denver heat wave 2025
- KDVR: Extreme heat cancels classes in Denver Public Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Extreme Weather
- 9News: Extreme heat forces classroom closures in Denver
- Google News: Denver schools closure August 2025
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
