Denver, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Denver Public Schools (DPS) has announced the cancellation of classes at Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8 due to expected extreme heat with temperatures reaching the high 90s. Both schools will release students early, with Johnson dismissing at 12:30 p.m. and Bryant Webster at 12:20 p.m. Lunch will be provided before departure. The decision reflects ongoing concerns about student safety in schools lacking sufficient air conditioning. Other programs like Little Links and Discovery Link will also be canceled for the day.
Denver
Denver Public Schools (DPS) have announced the cancellation of classes at several schools due to extreme heat expected on Thursday. Students at Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8 will not be required to attend school, while those currently enrolled at these institutions will be released early.
Johnson Elementary will release its students at 12:30 p.m., and Bryant Webster will dismiss students at 12:20 p.m. Bus services for these schools will operate on their regular routes according to the adjusted dismissal times. Additionally, students at both schools will be provided lunch before they leave for the day.
The forecast for Denver indicates that temperatures are expected to climb into the high 90s on Thursday, prompting concerns about the safety of students, particularly in schools that lack adequate air conditioning. Heat-related closures are not uncommon for DPS schools during the month of August, especially in cases where indoor temperatures may pose health risks to children.
Aside from the early dismissals, several other programs within DPS will also be affected. Both Little Links and Discovery Link programming are set to be canceled for the day. This decision comes as many schools in the area struggle with insufficient thermal comfort facilities.
In response to the same weather conditions, Poudre School District will also be releasing most of its schools early. This includes all elementary and middle schools, along with select high schools, highlighting a broader concern across different districts regarding student safety during extreme temperatures.
DPS officials have acknowledged that these school closures and early releases can create unexpected challenges for families, and they made proactive notifications regarding potential closures by 5 p.m. the evening before the decision was implemented.
Some schools, such as Skinner Middle School, are still waiting for air conditioning upgrades following a bond that was approved by voters. Delays in air conditioning installations at Skinner Middle School stem from the discovery of asbestos, which has extended the project’s completion timeline to 2026, leaving many schools without necessary cooling systems in place to accommodate the warmest months of the year.
Parents have expressed frustration and concern over the lack of cooling facilities during such extreme heat waves and are questioning the allocation of taxpayer money regarding school improvements and infrastructure. This dilemma signifies an ongoing issue within the district that necessitates attention moving forward as temperatures continue to rise globally.
Key Details
- Cancelled Classes: Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8
- Early Release Times: Johnson (12:30 p.m.), Bryant Webster (12:20 p.m.)
- Expected High Temperatures: High 90s
- Lunch Provided Before Dismissal
- Bus Services Maintained at Regular Routes
- Programs Canceled: Little Links, Discovery Link
Background Context
Extreme weather conditions leading to school closures are becoming a more common event in August as school districts navigate the challenges of older facilities that lack modern climate control systems. The issue is compounded by delays in funding and renovations that have significant impacts on student comfort and safety.
FAQ
What schools are canceled due to the heat?
Classes are canceled at Johnson Elementary and Bryant Webster ECE-8.
What time will the schools release students?
Johnson Elementary will release students at 12:30 p.m., while Bryant Webster will release at 12:20 p.m.
Will students receive lunch before being dismissed?
Yes, students will receive lunch before they are dismissed from school.
What is being done about air conditioning in DPS schools?
Some schools are waiting for air conditioning upgrades, which have been delayed by necessary repairs and funding issues.
How are families being notified of closures?
DPS officials notify families of potential closures directly by 5 p.m. the evening prior.
Key Features of School Closures Due to Heat
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Schools Affected | Johnson Elementary, Bryant Webster ECE-8 |
| Release Times | Johnson: 12:30 p.m., Bryant Webster: 12:20 p.m. |
| Lunch Provision | Lunch provided prior to dismissal |
| Temperature Forecast | High 90s |
| Bus Service | Operates as per regular routes |
| Programs Canceled | Little Links, Discovery Link |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Denver Schools Cancel Classes Due to Extreme Heat
Garfield Re-2 School District Delays Start of School Year
Air Conditioning Issues Delay Opening of Louise Troy Elementary School
Additional Resources
- Denverite
- Denver7
- KDVR
- CBS News
- 9News
- Wikipedia: School Closures
- Google Search: Extreme Heat in Schools
- Google Scholar: School Closures Due to Heat
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Climate Challenges
- Google News: Denver Schools Heat Closures
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
