Brentwood High School faced a challenging trial in the opening weeks of school as an unrelenting heatwave caused temperatures to soar into the 90s, transforming the school building into a sauna.
While Brentwood High School admirably rose to the challenge, it also re-ignited an important debate: should air conditioning be considered a necessity rather than a luxury in schools?
As humidity levels reached uncomfortable heights, classroom learning became an unexpected test of endurance for staff and students.
“I couldn’t concentrate,” said Alysson Moonilal, a junior. “I was more focused on how hot I was rather than what I was learning.”
“The feeling of claustrophobia and being stifled in a hot room was unsettling,” said Cindy Euceda, a senior. “I often struggled due to shakiness and feeling lightheaded.”
Some fortunate teachers had air conditioners in their classrooms, most notably the computer labs. Those without AC units had to rely on multiple fans to keep the air circulating. Some teachers had up to four fans in their classrooms, yet the heat remained a significant challenge.
“We were lucky some teachers brought in their own fans to keep us cool,” said Lily Hurrinus, a junior.
Teachers also resorted to opening windows and doors, encouraging cross-ventilation to improve airflow, hoping to bring relief to their students.
“We were all going through it, and it made concentration difficult,” said Mr. Lane, a chemistry teacher.
Lane encouraged everyone to prioritize hydration. He allowed students to refill water bottles and get drinks of water at the water fountains.
“We don’t have AC installed in all the classrooms, which would make it much more comfortable and beneficial for both staff and students,” said Acting Principal Dr. Dulin, who acknowledged the challenges to focus and attention on those first days.
The sweltering heat and humidity during the first week of school also raised concerns about its impact on the school’s day-to-day operations. Dr. Dulin acknowledged that the cafeterias became notably warm, adding an additional layer of discomfort for students during lunch. There was also an increase in the number of students congregating in the hallways during their free periods to seek respite.
To ensure the comfort of both teachers and staff during the heatwave, Dr. Dulin says that the administrative team took measures to set up “large fans in the major arteries of the building.”
Hurrinus believes the school could have done more to handle the hot weather. She also suggested that the school should revise their dress codes or make exceptions during extreme weather conditions.
“We could invest in larger fans and place them in hallways, making them available in every wing and possibly in classrooms as well,” Dulin said.
However, Dulin also points out to implement such changes, the district would need the support from the state. She offers hope for change, mentioning the efforts of neighboring districts to petition the state to allow virtual days similar to snow days. This would enable students to learn from the comfort of their homes during extreme weather, potentially reducing the strain on school buildings.
With over 4,000 students in Brentwood High School, it is one of the largest districts on Long Island. The sheer size of the student population underscores the urgency of addressing temperature concerns.
The implementation of air conditioning in schools is an investment that contributes not only to the learning environment but also to the well-being of everyone within the school community. It provides a climate conducive to focused learning and teaching, regardless of the weather outside.
