Vigo Schools shift plans to account for excessive heat

Posted: Aug 22, 2023 / 11:25 AM EDT

Updated: Aug 22, 2023 / 06:24 PM EDT

VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Just a few weeks into the school year and hot temperatures are causing the daily schedule to be shifted to keep students safe.

That’s according to Vigo County School Corporation Interim Director of Communications Katie Shane, who explained that the corporation had made multiple changes to various programs to keep kids out of the excessive heat while still being educated.

On Monday, all outdoor athletic practices were moved to be held after 6 p.m. with additional guidelines. Tuesday some practices were allowed to take place in the early morning and then after 6 p.m., while Wednesday and Thursday all outdoor practices were moved indoors.

The following changes remain in place through Thursday;

Pending heat index readings, practices will begin outdoors at 7:00 p.m. Practices starting at 7:00 p.m. in lieu of 6:00 p.m. allows for the possibility of cooler temperatures.
Heat index readings will be taken by the athletic trainer at each site.
Athletic trainers will document readings per field every 45 minutes starting at 3:45 p.m. in order to identify a pattern of data to better make an informed decision.
Schools will operate using the highest heat index reading between the National Weather Service and readings taken at your school.
On Tuesday, PE classes can be held outside before noon. PE classes after noon will remain indoors.
On Wednesday and Thursday, PE classes will remain indoors.
On Tuesday, recesses can be held outside before noon. Recesses after noon will remain indoors.
On Wednesday and Thursday, recess will remain indoors.
All outdoor athletic contests Monday – Thursday will be postponed
Volleyball contests will still take place as they are indoors
All middle school athletic practices/conditioning will be held indoors Monday – Thursday
A reading will be taken at 6:45 p.m. to identify the heat index which will determine if practices will be outside beginning at 7:00 p.m. If teams are able to go outside they will follow the heat index guidelines and the directives of their athletic trainer. We suggest that teams have a plan for an indoor practice whether that is conditioning, weight training or watching film. If the heat indexes are too high at 7:00 p.m. but drop to an acceptable range during the course of the set practice time, the team can go outside. Heat index readings should be reported to Dr. Balitewicz and Dr. Mason via text.
Heat index readings will vary at every high school. It is possible that one school may be able to practice outdoors and one school may not be able to as we are relying on the readings taken by the athletic trainer at each site. Decisions will be site based.
Athletic trainers or ADs have the right to shut down a community practice on their campus if they are not following our guidelines. If it is a THBGC team, please call Bobby Moore directly to report that information.