EXTREME HEAT FORCES WIDESPREAD EARLY SCHOOL DISMISSALS ACROSS EAST TENNESSEE
A severe heat wave has triggered early dismissals and schedule adjustments for multiple school districts and local organizations across East Tennessee on Thursday, September 3, and Friday, September 4.
Districts including Bledsoe, Bradley, Cleveland City, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, and Sequatchie counties are scaling back hours due to high temperatures and student safety concerns. Dismissal times vary across the region:
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Cleveland City Schools: Elementary students release at noon; middle and high schools release at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday.
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Bradley County Schools: Elementary schools dismiss at 11:30 a.m., while middle and high schools follow at 12:15 p.m. on Thursday.
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Bledsoe County Schools: Dismissing at 11:30 a.m. on both Thursday and Friday. Decisions regarding after-school activities will be made based on conditions closer to event times.
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Sequatchie County Schools: Early dismissal at 11:30 a.m. for car riders and 11:40 a.m. for buses on Thursday and Friday.
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Polk County Schools: Releasing early on September 3 and 4 to protect student safety along bus routes.
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McMinn County Schools: Dismissing at 12:00 p.m. with lunch served prior, and buses running regular routes.
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Meigs County Schools: Releasing at 1:00 p.m.
The oppressive conditions have also prompted changes outside the classroom. Hamilton County Schools moved outdoor athletic practices indoors, and the Marion County Highway Department closed early to protect personnel from the extreme weather.
