Dear families,
As we transition into the final weeks of the school year and the temperatures rise, I would like to inform you about some of the precautionary measures we have taken to maintain comfortable classroom environments for students and staff. I will also share a few tips on how you can contribute from home. While some of our schools and learning spaces are well-prepared for warmer days, others face greater challenges and require more specific measures.
District and School-Based Measures
We have implemented district and school-based measures to manage classroom temperatures during periods of unusually warm weather. These include:
- Utilizing our existing airflow systems to expel hot air from buildings overnight and draw in cooler air, ensuring that we start each day with a comfortable environment.
- Monitoring indoor temperatures at all sites centrally and remotely. Our facilities staff can adjust the airflow intake as needed to maintain optimal temperatures.
- Providing our daytime staff and evening custodians with guidance on reducing heat buildup in our buildings. This includes closing blinds and window coverings, and minimizing the use of overhead lighting and heat-emitting electronics.
What You Can Do
In anticipation of the warmer weeks ahead, we each have a role to play in preparing ourselves and students. Here are a few key things you can do from home:
- Ensure your child is dressed appropriately for sunny weather, which includes lightweight, breathable clothing, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Do keep in mind that indoor temperatures may be cooler than usual in the mornings, thanks to our overnight ventilation strategies.
- Encourage your child to stay hydrated. Send them to school with water bottles and include hydrating options in their lunches and snacks.
- If your child is particularly sensitive to heat, consider providing them with personal cooling tools (such as ice packs or handheld fans) that might help them stay cooler throughout the day.
If you have specific questions about your school, please reach out to your school principal. For more general information about sun and heat safety, visit https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/sun-safety.