News Summary
In response to a forecasted heat wave reaching near 99 degrees Fahrenheit, Denver Public Schools have canceled classes at 13 schools and planned early dismissals at others to protect students. Affected schools include Skinner Middle School and Johnson Elementary, which will dismiss students early while providing lunch. The district is also addressing long-term cooling infrastructure improvements, with a significant bond allocated for updates. Community concerns over high classroom temperatures highlight the urgent need for enhancements as climate challenges persist.
Denver Schools Cancel Classes and Implement Early Releases Due to Record High Temperatures
Denver, August 21, 2025 — In response to an intense heat wave forecasted to reach near 99 degrees Fahrenheit, Denver Public Schools (DPS) have announced the cancellation of classes at 13 schools and implemented early dismissal plans across several others. The decision aims to safeguard students and staff from the risks associated with extreme heat conditions during the first day of the upcoming school year.
Details of School Closures and Early Dismissals
Among the schools affected are Skinner Middle School, Johnson Elementary, and Bryant Webster ECE-8. These schools will be closed for the day, with students in Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster set to be dismissed earlier than usual. Johnson Elementary will release students at 12:30 PM, while Bryant Webster will conclude classes at 12:20 PM. Both schools will provide lunch to students before dismissal, ensuring their nutritional needs are met despite the shortened day.
Bus transportation services will operate on adjusted schedules corresponding to the early dismissals, maintaining transportation safety and efficiency. The district emphasizes that families will receive direct notifications regarding closures or early dismissals by 5 PM the preceding evening. This early notification policy intends to give parents and guardians sufficient time to plan accordingly for their children’s transportation and care.
Extended Program Cancellations and District Response
Additionally, all Little Links and Discovery Link after-school programs scheduled for the affected schools will be canceled on August 21. This measure is part of the district’s effort to prioritize student safety amid extreme weather conditions.
Progress and Challenges in Cooling Infrastructure
The district is also focusing on long-term solutions to reduce heat-related risks by improving air conditioning (AC) in district schools. A nearly $1 billion bond passed last year allocates approximately $240 million specifically toward enhancing cooling systems. While significant progress has been made—two schools, Doull Elementary and Ellis Elementary, have completed AC installations before the start of the school year—many schools still lack adequate cooling.
Currently, 27 schools within the district are in need of air conditioning installation. The district’s goal is to equip all schools with AC by 2028. However, ongoing delays have impacted progress; at Skinner Middle School, the installation has been postponed due to the discovery of asbestos, pushing the expected completion date to 2026.
Community Concerns and Broader Context
Many parents and community members have expressed frustration over the persistent heat in classrooms and delays in installing cooling systems. These challenges underscore the urgency for comprehensive infrastructure upgrades to support student safety during increasingly frequent heat events.
In addition to Denver, neighboring districts such as the Poudre School District are also responding to the heat wave by releasing most of their schools early on August 21. These measures reflect a broader regional effort to manage extreme weather conditions and prioritize health and safety for students and staff.
Conclusion
As Denver faces record-breaking temperatures this August, the district’s immediate response involves temporary measures such as school closures and early dismissals, alongside ongoing efforts to improve cooling infrastructure. The district continues to balance the need for a quality education environment with the health and safety of its students and staff, amid the challenges posed by climate change and aging school facilities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
School Year Postponed in Grand Junction Due to Wildfires
Air Conditioning Malfunction Delays School Opening
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
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, 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 regional 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 National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
