57 Philadelphia schools shift to virtual learning Wednesday due to extreme heat
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The School District of Philadelphia says 57 schools will shift to virtual learning on Wednesday due to the extreme heat in the forecast.
In a statement, district officials said that while progress has been made in upgrading cooling systems, some buildings still do not have adequate air conditioning to ensure safe and comfortable learning environments.
Early childhood centers located at the affected schools will also move to virtual instruction. All in-person after-school activities, including athletic programs scheduled for Wednesday, have been canceled.
The early-season heat wave is sending residents across the region searching for relief.
The stretch of high temperatures marks the first heat wave of the season and the earliest the region has experienced such prolonged heat since 2017.
Adding to concerns, the National Weather Service issued a Code Orange air quality alert for Philadelphia, indicating conditions are unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Officials continue to emphasize hydration, limiting outdoor activity, and checking on neighbors as the region weathers the unseasonable heat.
"I think people seem to get in their mind that June, July, August is our time for high heat, and when it comes unexpectedly, people aren't necessarily prepared for it," said Gary Vinnacombe, director of emergency services for Delaware County.
Vinnacombe urged residents to take precautions and look out for one another, especially those most vulnerable. He encouraged outdoor workers to take frequent breaks and advised keeping children out of direct sunlight.
"It's a day off from school, they want to be out doing stuff with their friends, but we certainly want to make sure they stay hydrated," he said.
Residents are finding ways to cope.
"Air conditioner today," said Michelle Sorrentino of Glenolden.
Sorrentino took her 8-year-old son, Jaden, to Rose Tree Park but limited their time outside.
"Just for a little bit, and then you have to calm down and take a break and drink and hydrate," she said.
Others planned ahead to stay cool and protected from the sun.
"I had iced tea in the car and then put on a ton of sunscreen and then I know my son's school, we had to bring like an extra water bottle for them," said Andrea Bigus of Hockessin.
The following 57 schools will be virtual:
- AMY Northwest
- Bache-Martin*
- Blaine, James*
- Building 21
- Catharine, Joseph*
- Comegys, B.
- Comly, Watson
- Cooke, J.
- Crossan, Kennedy
- Disston, Hamilton
- Dunbar, Paul
- Emlen, Eleanor*
- Fell, D. Newlin
- Fitzpatrick
- Fox Chase
- Franklin, Ben HS
- Girard, Stephen
- Harding, Warren
- Henry, Charles
- Hill-Freedman
- Hopkinson, Francis
- Houston, Henry
- Howe, Julia
- Jenks, Abram
- Jenks, John S.
- Lamberton*
- Lingelbach, Anna
- Loesche*
- Ludlow, James
- McCloskey, John
- McClure, A.*
- McMichael, M.*
- Mitchell, Weir
- Moore, J. Hampton
- Motivation
- MYA
- Olney Elementary
- Overbrook ES
- Parkway West
- Patterson, John*
- Powell
- Rhawnhurst*
- Rowen, William
- Roxborough HS
- Sayre, William
- SLA Middle
- Sharswood, George*
- Sheppard, Isaac
- South Phila. HS*
- Spring Garden
- Spruance, Gilbert*
- Sullivan, James
- Tilden, William
- The U School
- Vaux
- Wagner, Gen. Louis
- Washington, Martha
(*) Schools have PreK/Head Start on-site.
