At One Center City School, Rooftop Gym Class to Beat The Heat
By Michelle Durham
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- On a day when Philadelphia public schools closed at 1:30pm (see related story), the students and faculty of St. Mary Interpariochial School, at 5th and Locust Streets, found an innovative way to beat the heat.
The school, which installed a white roof that stays cool to the touch, found that the rooftop was a nice place to be today, so that's where the kids had gym class.
St. Mary principal Jean Meredith says life -- and gym class -- goes on.
"We are having outdoor recess, since it's cooler outside than inside the building," she said.
Gym teacher Steve Stepnowski had a plan -- and a lot of ice water.
"We're going to basically try not overexert ourselves -- maybe play a little volleyball."
How did the kids feel about this? Opinions were mixed.
"It's hot -- I don't like it," said one girl.
How do they feel about some schools dismissing early while their school has gym?
"They are lucky and we're not."
"I think it's hot, but it's also fun at the same time to play games and stuff even though it's hot," said another girl.
