As summer turns into fall, staff and students at Torrance High School face the immense heat during this time of year. As the temperatures rise, it’s important to understand how this may impact students’ daily life on campus.
Effects
Recent temperatures all across Southern California have raised concerns about how heat can affect students and their learning environment. Studies have proven that extreme heat temperatures can decrease concentration and a student’s overall performance. At Torrance High, classrooms become seriously humid, and for this reason teachers use fans to keep students cool during their lessons or teach their lessons in the school auditorium (one of the few places on campus with air conditioning).
Many students also go into classrooms during lunch because they cannot stand the weather outside. Torrance High School teacher, Mr. Chung says that the weather, “Makes me sweaty, which makes me tired, which makes me frustrated, which makes me a worse teacher.” Torrance High student, Jessica Moreno comments on how the heat, “Drains me to where I can’t concentrate very well. If the school can pay millions for a new softball field, they can pay for ACs in classrooms. The heat can cause many bad things to happen.” Other effects due to heat waves were part of the reason for lower attendance and slower reaction times in students.
Public health experts have warned that children are more vulnerable to heat illnesses than adults, causing problems like nausea, muscle cramps, heat stroke, and seizures. Jonathan Klein, the co-founder of UndauntedK-12, a non profit supporting climate action in public schools says, “Schools are not prepared for the extreme heat, and we need to change that now.” Dr. Bernstein, of the same organization says, “Heat can make any chronic medical problem worse.” Schools have also been advised to provide ice baths and special cooling wraps to avoid medical problems like heat stroke.
Football teams in other schools have adapted to new schedules due to the heat waves, changing their afternoon practices to nighttime. Temperatures have reached over 100 degrees in areas like the San Fernando Valley, causing a number of challenges for students and school staff.
Prevention
To prevent heat related issues on campus, students can stay in a cooled location for as long as they can, have access to hydration, and schedule their outdoor activities carefully. There is also tutoring available for students inside the library before and after school where they can comfortably study without the issue of the hot weather.
Parents should keep up with the weather and notify their children to ensure they come dressed properly for the heat. Another recommendation would be to carry sunscreen for the students protection and hats for those who like being outdoors .
School’s response
Torrance High teachers and staff have taken measures to help students cope with the heat. Although not all classrooms are equipped with AC, many still have air conditioning and keep it running for as long as they can. The water fountains at Torrance High are also available for students to stay hydrated, and other teachers keep several fans in their classrooms during lessons so students can feel comfortable and refreshed.
Spreading Awareness
Hot weather causes many challenges for students that attend Torrance High School. By promoting and spreading awareness about the effects heat waves have on individuals, we can help everyone remain satisfied by taking measures for staying cool. With these strategies in place, students can make the most of their educational experience, even in the midst of summer heat.
