Another Early Dismissal For West Orange Schools As Hot Weather Lingers

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange public school students will be dismissed early on Thursday, Sept. 7 as a heat wave drags on.

As of Wednesday morning, there were 15 New Jersey counties under a heat advisory. Temperatures near 100 are expected in Passaic, Hudson, Bergen, Essex and Union counties through Thursday evening, forecasters said.

West Orange school administrators called for an early dismissal on Wednesday, the first day of the new school year. Now it’s déjà vu all over again, as late Essex County resident Yogi Berra might have said.

According to a statement from the West Orange Public School District:

“In the interest of safety for our staff and students, and in response to the continued heat advisory, the West Orange Public School district will once again follow the early dismissal schedule tomorrow, Thursday, September 7, 2023. The current temperature situation is not ideal and we understand that this health and safety issue has compromised many schedules. Please note that all after school outdoor activities are canceled. Parents/guardians who avail themselves of aftercare services should contact their child’s aftercare provider directly concerning the hours of operation.”

The early dismissal schedule for Sept. 7 follows below:

• BMELC, WOELC, All Elementary - 8:45 to 1:15 (20-minute lunch)
• Middle School - 8:10 to 12:30 (no lunch)
• High School - 7:30 to noon (no lunch)

“It is our understanding that the outside temperatures and air quality are to return to normal ranges, and therefore, we anticipate a regular schedule on Friday,” district administrators said. “Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.”

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