PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — Kids back in school across western Washington are facing more than just tests and homework — they're also trying to cope with the heat.
Districts in the South Sound are finding ways to keep students safe and cool in the unusually high temperatures for this time of year.
“I would say it's generally not as hot as it is today,” said Jen Van, the director of Health Services for the Franklin Pierce School District.
Van said the schools in her district are taking extra steps to make sure kids stay cool.
“This morning I just sent out an email to our principals and our administrators and our health room staff to let them know about the potential heat, or extreme heat advisories, and the heat issues that might be going on today,” said Van, referring to the hot weather on Thursday.
Van advised that if kids have activities outside for more than 15 minutes, there should be options to go inside.
During recess Thursday at Collins Elementary, teachers had umbrellas and spray bottles with fans to help kids cool down if needed.
All schools in their district have air conditioning, so doing more indoors is a great strategy to stay cool.
“Sometimes our P.E. programs also play outside,” said Van. “So, on days like today, we might maybe move those indoors and encourage breaks and drinking lots of water.”
Van said they try to be proactive and that she is looking forward to cooler temperatures on the horizon.
“That definitely brings us out of the danger of heat related illness, so that would be a much better thing for us next week,” said Van.
Students at Collins Elementary said they adjust their normal recess routines to beat the heat. “If I stay near the gym, like the basketball thing, that place has a lot of shade,” said Percy, a third-grade student.
He said he made sure to dress for the hot weather and is planning to play in sprinklers after school. Percy said he is looking forward to cooler third-grade days ahead.
"Because like almost all week, I was sweating, sweating, sweating,” said Percy. “Well not all week, but it was hard."