Phila. Schools Dismiss Early Again Due To Heat; Some Persevere For Graduations
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The high humidity and heat were the culprits (or saviors -- depending on your perspective) for today's early dismissal of public schools in Philadelphia.
Moms and dads scrambled again to keep tabs on their kids, but it was probably OK with most of the 130,000 students in the school district.
Most city schools lack central air conditioning. Masterman School, at 17th and Spring Garden Streets, has some window air conditioners, although an administrator there says the temperature on the rooftop playground of that old building can hit 125 degrees on hot days.
So, the youngsters were looking forward to escaping the heat.
"I'll probably just chill at my girlfriend's house," said one, apparently unaware of his play on words.
"I'll go back home with my grandmom and little sister," said another. "We may go shopping."
One young woman said she had no plans to brave the heat to get together with friends: "I'm going to lay in my bed and text them," she admitted.
The nine city public schools with graduation ceremonies planned for today had the option of remaining open past noon for the ceremonies.
Masterman had 95 seniors graduating today.
Phyllis Smith, mother of a graduating student, smiled as she sat in the sweltering auditorium.
"Some of them have been at Masterman for eight years," she said. "As a parent we're so proud. We'll sit through the heat." Masterman has grades 5 through 12.
On stage, valedictorian Jamie Schwartz told the crowd fanning themselves with programs, "Just imagine what graduates at the number one high school in Pennsylvania will accomplish going forward, once they're able to work in modern, air-conditioned environments!"
The Philadelphia school district's final day of the school year is this coming Thursday.