Minneapolis, St. Paul Schools Will Hold 1st Day Of Class Despite Heat

MINNEAPOLIS — St. Paul and Minneapolis Public Schools will be open for the first day of class despite the extreme heat expected to continue on Tuesday. Some private schools may choose to close, however.

The high in the Twin Cities will be 91 degrees on Tuesday.

School officials said families can keep their children home if they feel that is in their best interest, but that parents should follow regular guidelines for absences.

Minneapolis school officials provided the following reminders on how staff and students can be safe both indoors and outdoors during the hot weather:

Be aware of students or staff who may be unusually affected by the heat due to fasting or other conditions (chronic medical conditions, pregnancy, etc.).

Classroom staff should turn off classroom lights, close classroom shades/blinds and limit use of heat-generating technology (computers, projectors, etc.) whenever possible.

Turn on a fan. If you do not have a fan, your building custodian may be able to help you locate one.

Move classes to a lower part of the building, an air conditioned space or a more shaded side of the building if space is available.

Know your plan to rotate students and staff to cooled spaces.

Hold outdoor activities or field trips in a shaded area.

Make sure that students and staff stay hydrated and have easy access to water. Encourage our youngest learners to write their names on disposable water bottles, so that they can refill throughout the day.

Encourage parents to dress their children appropriately for warm weather in accordance with school dress codes, including hats and sunscreen if spending time outside.

St. Paul officials released their plan to keep kids safe during the extreme weather:

Students will have frequent water breaks, and time spent outdoors will be modified as needed

If needed, buildings may identify “cooling areas” for students and staff

When nighttime outdoor conditions allow, the ventilation systems are set to draw cool air into all school buildings overnight to pre-cool the buildings so it is more comfortable throughout the day.

Staff will direct any child who feels ill to the nurse's office. If your child has a disability or health condition that gets worse in heat, please notify the school nurse

School buses are not air conditioned and windows will be open

Any changes to athletics practices or competitions will be communicated by each school’s athletics director and coaches in line with Minnesota State High School League guidelines.

The heat is expected to depart quickly overnight, with Wednesday's high forecasted to only be 65.