Denver, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Denver Public Schools has announced the closure of 13 schools in response to anticipated extreme heat, with temperatures predicted to reach 99 degrees. Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8 will dismiss students early while ensuring proper lunch provisions. Families will receive timely notifications about these closures. Additionally, DPS aims to improve air conditioning in schools, with a commitment to complete installations by 2028 despite ongoing challenges at some locations, including delays caused by asbestos issues.
Denver
Denver Public Schools (DPS) has announced the cancellation of classes at 13 schools due to extreme heat forecasted for August 21, 2025. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures in the Denver area will reach near 99 degrees that day, raising concerns about student safety and comfort.
Schools on the closure list include Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8. Johnson Elementary will dismiss students early at 12:30 PM, while Bryant Webster will release students at 12:20 PM. Both schools will provide lunch for students before their early dismissal, ensuring they have a meal before leaving.
Bus services will continue to operate on their regular routes, adjusted to align with the earlier dismissal times of these schools. DPS has highlighted the importance of informing families about such sudden changes, acknowledging that the decision to close schools can result in unexpected challenges for parents. Parents will receive notifications directly by 5 PM the evening before a heat-related closure or early dismissal.
All Little Links and Discovery Link programming will be canceled at the schools that will be closed. This underscores the impact of extreme weather not only on traditional classroom activities but also on after-school programs.
In light of ongoing heat issues, DPS is actively working to improve air conditioning facilities within schools. Last year, a bond was passed with nearly $1 billion, allocating $240 million specifically for enhancing the air conditioning infrastructure in schools. However, challenges remain, as 27 schools still require the installation of air conditioning systems. Two schools, Doull Elementary and Ellis Elementary, successfully completed their air conditioning installations before the school year commenced, demonstrating progress in improving school environments.
Despite these efforts, the situation at Skinner Middle School is particularly concerning. Asbestos discovered at the school has delayed the installation of air conditioning, pushing the expected completion date to 2026. Parents have expressed frustration regarding the uncomfortable heat conditions within classrooms and the delays in necessary air conditioning projects.
In a related development, Poudre School District has also announced early releases for most of its schools on August 21 due to the extreme heat, indicating that the issue is affecting students beyond just Denver. This collective response demonstrates widespread concern about the heat’s impact on student health and safety as temperatures soar.
Denver schools are striving to address the ongoing challenges posed by high temperatures through infrastructure improvements, but there is still much work to be done. DPS is committed to ensuring all schools are equipped with air conditioning facilities by 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were classes canceled in Denver schools?
Classes were canceled due to extreme heat forecasts predicting temperatures near 99 degrees on August 21, 2025.
Which schools in Denver were closed?
Thirteen schools were closed, including Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8.
How early will students be dismissed from school?
Johnson Elementary will dismiss students at 12:30 PM, while Bryant Webster will release at 12:20 PM.
Will students be provided lunch before dismissal?
Yes, both Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster will provide lunch to all students before they are dismissed.
What measures is DPS taking to improve air conditioning in schools?
DPS is working on enhancing air conditioning in schools through a bond passed last year, which allocated $240 million toward the initiative.
When does DPS aim to have all schools equipped with air conditioning?
DPS aims to have all schools equipped with air conditioning by 2028.
Key Features of School Closures Due to Heat
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | August 21, 2025 |
| Predicted Temperature | Near 99 degrees |
| Number of Schools Closed | 13 |
| Early Dismissal Times | Johnson Elementary at 12:30 PM, Bryant Webster at 12:20 PM |
| Lunch Provision | Provided before early dismissal |
| Future AC Plans | All schools equipped by 2028 |
| Affected Programs | Little Links and Discovery Link programming canceled at closed schools |
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HERE Resources
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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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