UPDATE: (8:15 a.m. Wednesday, August 28)
Interim Superintendent, Robert A. Leming announces that all schools will dismiss an hour early Thursday, August 29 and Friday, August 30, 2013 of this week as a protective measure for students (with the exception of Ball Charter School). The continued cause for concern is the risk of heat related illnesses.
High heat index is anticipated throughout Central Illinois for the next few days, including Sangamon County and Springfield Public School District 186 boundaries. The National weather forecast anticipates heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees on Tuesday, August 27 and Wednesday, August 28 of this week.
Interim Superintendent, Robert A. Leming announces that all schools will dismiss an hour early on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week as a protective measure for students (with the exception of Ball Charter School). The cause for concern is the risk of heat related illnesses, families where older siblings care for their younger siblings and transportation logistics that require all district schools to close early.
The district will monitor and assess the weather on Wednesday to determine early dismissal for the remainder of the week. For more information please visit: http://www.sps186.org.
Meanwhile in Decatur kids can expect to go home one hour early Tuesday through Thursday. A note on Dist. 61's website reads:
Due to the extensive heat conditions all Decatur Public Schools will be dismissing one hour early on Tuesday, August 27th, Wednesday, August 28th and Thursday, August 29th. Students will be dropped off at their normal bus stops one hour early on these days. The morning Pershing Early Learning Center classes will also be dismissed one hour early and the afternoon classes will be cancelled. Lunch will be provided. All afternoon athletic activities will be held as scheduled.