A heatwave hit the northeast of the United States on June 18, bringing temperatures soaring into the triple digits Fahrenheit. In response, the Worcester Public Schools in Massachusetts decided to cancel classes on Thursday and Friday, allowing students to start their summer break a week earlier.
Rachel H. Monárrez, the superintendent of Worcester Public Schools, announced that due to the heatwave forecasted to bring temperatures over 90 degrees Fahrenheit from Tuesday to Friday, the district made the decision to cancel classes on Thursday. Burncoat High School, which was scheduled to have classes on Friday, also called off the day.
Coupled with Wednesday being the federal holiday of Juneteenth and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education not requiring make-up days, students of Worcester Public Schools concluded their semester on June 18 (Tuesday).
“Due to the age of our buildings, many of them do not have air conditioning, so we regret ending the school year in this abrupt manner. However, with the anticipated unusually hot weather, we want to ensure the safety of our students and staff,” Monárrez said.
The heatwave also prompted the Boston city government to declare an emergency from June 18 to 20. Local public libraries and 14 youth and family centers will be open to provide a cool place for people to escape the heat.