Central Islip schools dismissing early, other Long Island districts monitoring extreme heat today
A heat advisory is in effect from noon today through 8 p.m. Friday for Nassau County and the western half of Suffolk County.
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The Central Islip School District is taking extra precautions and dismissing students, teachers and staff early today. The district made the announcement midday yesterday.
"Due to the extreme heat in our forecast and in accordance with the new NYS Regulations and CI Board of Education Policy, we will follow an early dismissal schedule for Thursday, June 11," the district wrote on its website.
Central Islip High School will dismiss at 10:09 a.m., followed by Ralph Reed Middle School at 10:45 a.m., Cordello Avenue, Mulligan and Mulvey elementary schools at 11:40 a.m. and Alfano, Morrow and O'Neill elementary schools at 12:10 p.m.
Other school districts like Patchogue-Medford wrote to parents saying they have a comprehensive plan in place to monitor classroom temperatures on days like today.
"We are committed to taking every necessary step to avoid school closures or early dismissals due to extreme heat conditions," Patchogue-Medford Superintendent of Schools Lori Cannetti wrote. "While we are dedicated to avoiding disruptions, families must have an emergency plan in place should the district need to pivot quickly to early dismissal or remote learning. Our Remote Learning Plan is posted on the district website and outlines procedures."
Schools have been tasked with taking extra precautions to keep everyone safe after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a 2024 bill into law to protect students and teachers from extreme heat.
The legislation set 88 degrees as the maximum temperature a classroom can be before everyone must be moved to a cooler location or dismissed.
Districts are also required to take action to relieve heat-related discomfort when a classroom reaches 82 degrees. These steps include turning off overhead lights, pulling down shades or blinds, turning on fans, opening classroom doors and windows, turning off electronics and providing water breaks.
VIDEO: Dr. Ninfa Mehta gives tips to stay safe in dangerous heat
