Denver, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Denver Public Schools (DPS) have canceled classes at several schools due to extreme heat forecasts, with temperatures expected to reach the high 90s. Students at Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8 will be released early, receiving lunch before dismissal. This decision highlights ongoing concerns regarding inadequate air conditioning in many schools. Parents express frustration over the lack of cooling facilities, while DPS officials work on infrastructure improvements amidst alarming weather conditions. Both DPS and other local districts are prioritizing student safety as temperatures soar.
Denver Public Schools Cancel Classes and Issue Early Releases Due to Extreme Heat
Denver Public Schools (DPS) have announced the cancellation of classes at over a dozen schools on Thursday due to extreme heat conditions. The decision was made with the expectation that temperatures in Denver will soar into the high 90s, raising health and safety concerns for students and staff.
Schools Affected
Notable schools affected by this closure include:
- Johnson Elementary
- Bryant Webster ECE-8
The Johnson Elementary school will release students early at 12:30 p.m., whereas Bryant Webster will dismiss at 12:20 p.m. Students at both schools will be provided lunch before their early dismissal, ensuring they do not miss a meal. Bus services for the early-released schools will operate on regular routes aligned with these new dismissal times.
Context of the Decision
This decision comes in light of high temperatures in August that often result in heat-related school closures. Many DPS schools are not equipped with adequate air conditioning, exacerbating the situation. The issue has been a recurring topic, particularly affecting students’ comfort and safety during extreme weather.
In conjunction with DPS, the Poudre School District is also following suit, releasing most elementary and middle schools early, along with select high schools. These coordinated responses reflect growing concerns over student welfare amid severe weather conditions.
Challenges Faced by Families
DPS officials have recognized the potential difficulties that school closures present for families. Notifications regarding potential class cancellations were sent directly to families by 5 p.m. the day prior to the closures. However, many parents have expressed frustration regarding the lack of proper cooling facilities in schools, particularly as the summer heat intensifies.
Furthermore, some schools, like Skinner Middle School, are currently waiting for air conditioning upgrades following a bond that was approved by voters. Unfortunately, progress on these upgrades has been delayed due to the discovery of asbestos in the school, pushing the project’s completion date back to 2026.
Public Sentiment
Parents and guardians are increasingly questioning the allocation of taxpayer money, calling for better facilities and climate control in schools to prevent discomfort and potential health risks during extreme weather events. The situation has sparked a dialogue about the need for immediate action to improve student conditions in districts with inadequate cooling systems.
The ongoing challenges reveal the critical importance of planning and investment in infrastructure to support student health and safety in Denver schools.
Conclusion
As Denver experiences record-high temperatures, DPS remains vigilant about student health and safety during these extreme weather conditions. Families are encouraged to stay informed through official channels as further updates and changes may arise in the coming weeks.
FAQ Section
What schools are affected by the early dismissal due to extreme heat?
Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8 are among the schools that will have early dismissals.
What time will the early dismissals occur?
Students at Johnson Elementary will be released at 12:30 p.m. and those at Bryant Webster at 12:20 p.m.
Will students receive lunch before being dismissed?
Yes, students at both schools will receive lunch before they are dismissed.
Why are some DPS schools being closed due to the heat?
Many schools lack adequate air conditioning, leading to health and safety concerns for students during high-temperature conditions.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Schools Closed | Johnson Elementary, Bryant Webster ECE-8 |
| Dismissal Times | Johnson at 12:30 p.m., Bryant at 12:20 p.m. |
| Lunch Provision | Yes, before dismissal |
| Temperature Forecast | Expected high in the 90s |
| Air Conditioning Issues | Many schools lack adequate cooling systems |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Denver Schools Cancel Classes Due to Extreme Heat
Garfield Re-2 School District Delays School Start Due to Wildfires
Louise Troy Elementary School Delayed Opening Due to AC Issues
Additional Resources
- Denverite
- Denver7
- KDVR
- CBS News
- 9News
- Wikipedia: School Closures
- Google Search: Extreme Heat in Schools
- Google Scholar: School Closures Due to Heat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Climate Challenges
- Google News: Denver Schools Heat Closures
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa 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 Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
