Jun 9, 2008 6:26 pm US/Eastern
Heat Wave Forces Several N.J. Schools To Close
Power Outages Close Seton Hall University Monday Night
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
It's apparently even too hot for school. Hundreds of students in New Jersey got a break from class on Monday as temperatures across the tri-state neared 100 degrees.
As of 1 p.m. on Monday, many classrooms were empty already across the Garden State, as excessive temperatures forced many school districts to issue an early dismissal.
Seton Hall University later closed its doors for the rest of the day due to regional power outages.
For students at school No. 9 in Paterson, it was a half-day, but for many of their parents and older siblings, it was a day they had to miss work for.
"They called me early that we have to be here at 1 p.m.to pick up our kid and after this we will enjoy the rest of the day," said parent Raymond Guzman.
"I had to leave school early. My mom called and said you got to get picked up because there'e this huge heat wave," said Cataline Ospina.
The Paterson School district had no choice considering only one of its schools has air conditioning. The vice-principal can't remember the last time it was this hot so early in June.
"I remember back in the 70's a similar occurrence where heat was an issue," said Fred Hemsey.
"It's fun because normally you're out at 3 p.m. and right now you get to go in the pool for the whole day," said student Emily Delgado.
The district of Clifton also had early dismissal. Some parents questioned why some schools in New Jersey have yet to "modernize" with air conditioning.
"They're letting the kids go home early. It is affecting a lot of parents who have to lose time from work," said grandparent Linda Reid.
Paterson officials say their hands are tied because installing air conditioning would require voter approval.
"The chances of the voters approving the money needed to build schools is pretty slim," said Irene Sterling of the Paterson Education Fund.
Students in the Paterson school district will be dismissed early again on Tuesday.
School Closings
Seton Hall University
Bloomfield
Early DismissalsClifton, Wayne, Bloomingdale, Ringwood, West Paterson, Little Falls, Passaic, Boonton, Englewood, Glen Rock, Lodi, New Milford, Wyckoff
Stay with WCBSTV.com for any further schedule changes.
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