Capital Region Schools Closing Early from Extreme Heat this Week

Heatwave Forces Albany County Schools to Close Early This Week

Side Note: I wasn't expecting to get this notification from my son's school, and while it's not something that would have happened when I was growing up, I do very much respect the Bethlehem Central School District's decision.

On Monday morning, the parents of children in the Bethlehem Central School District were notified of some changes to the calendar due to the extreme heatwave we're expecting in the Capital Region this week.  Temps for much of the week are expected to be in the mid to upper 90's.

Tuesday, Thursday, and Possibly Friday Might be Affected

The notice sent on Monday morning to parents informed them that Bethlehem Central Elementary and Middle Schools will dismiss students early on Tuesday, June 18, and Thursday, June 20, due to anticipated extreme heat.

According to the notice, the high school "will run final exams regularly but will add temporary, commercial-size air conditioning units to high school exam locations," adding that they'll be monitoring weather forecasts and building temperatures to determine whether there will be an early release on Friday, June 21.

There isn't any school for students or staff on Wednesday, June 19th, the Federal Holiday, Juneteenth.

The notice told parents that elementary schools will have a 12:30 p.m. dismissal on Tuesday and Thursday, while Middle School students will be dismissed at
11:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday.

The extreme heat will not disrupt the High School students because of exams, as "temporary AC units will be in place in exam locations."

Other Schools in the Area May Follow Suit

One parent with children in the South Colonie Central School District informed us that a similar schedule is in place for them, but we have confirmed that from CCSD.