Several schools across the Portland metro area released students early on Monday as temperatures soared into the 90s.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Public Schools (PPS) dismissed students three hours early Monday due to “extreme heat and continued high temperatures,” following an email sent to families Sunday evening. All afternoon and evening activities, including district-sponsored childcare, were canceled.
Many parents supported the district’s decision but wished for earlier notice.
“I think you can’t blame them for the weather, but for planning purposes, it would be nice to know earlier — not at 7 p.m. the night before,” said Jessica Lorenzen, a PPS parent. “They have to close school early; it’s hot. The schools don’t have AC, so I get it.”
Students at Ainsworth Elementary said their classrooms were kept cool with open windows and fans. Some even felt they could have stayed longer.
“I feel like it’s always fun to be released early,” said one member of the Jessie family. “It’s not that hot. I think we could have stayed a couple more hours.”
At Lincoln High School, where air conditioning was working, students were still dismissed early as part of a district-wide decision.
Two juniors shared mixed feelings since it was their last “non-finals” day of the school year.
“We should have stayed in school and had other schools release early,” said Maddie.
PPS early release schedule:
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Elementary schools: 11:30 a.m.
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K-8 schools: 12:30 p.m.
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Middle schools: 1:00 p.m.
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High schools: 12:30 p.m.
Albina Head Start and Early Head Start programs also closed early, with all classrooms shutting at 1 p.m.
“This decision prioritizes the wellbeing of students and staff, ensuring everyone can return home safely before the hottest part of the day,” PPS stated in a letter to families and staff.
The district also mentioned plans to use portable fans for overnight ventilation and monitor indoor heat indexes, though high temperatures and limited overnight cooling remain significant concerns, particularly in schools without air conditioning.
Meals were served before dismissal.
Lake Oswego School District
Several Lake Oswego School District schools also released students early:
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Forest Hills, Hallinan, Lake Grove, Oak Creek, and Westridge Elementary Schools: 12:40 p.m.
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Lake Oswego Middle School at Uplands: 1:35 p.m.
“Unfortunately, temperatures inside several of our buildings have not cooled enough to remain at manageable levels throughout the day,” the district noted in a news release.
Fifth-grade students on off-campus celebration trips continued their activities at air-conditioned locations. Schools with cooling systems followed their regular schedules.
Both PPS and Lake Oswego School District adhered to Oregon School Activities Association guidelines for sports practices and activities.
Weather Impact Alert issued Monday
KGW issued a Weather Impact Alert for Monday as temperatures were expected to hit the 90s again. KGW meteorologist Chris McGinness forecasted a high of 94 degrees—just one degree below the record of 95 degrees set in 1955.
A Heat Advisory remained in effect for the Willamette Valley until 10 p.m. Monday, covering parts of southwest Washington to Cottage Grove, Oregon.
Slightly cooler conditions are expected midweek, with highs forecasted to drop to around 80 degrees. The 7-day forecast predicts temperatures in the 70s starting Thursday.
Portland experienced its hottest day of the year Sunday, hitting a record 96 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 94 degrees set in 1955. On average, Portland typically sees its first 90-degree day around June 18.
