Philadelphia Schools Dismiss At Noon Due To Heat

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia School District announced that all of its schools closed early on Friday.

Around 9:30 a.m., the School District made the announcement on Twitter:

Due to the high temperatures forecasted for today, all @PhillyEducation schools will dismiss early at 12 noon today, Friday, June 12.

— Philadelphia Schools (@PhillyEducation) June 12, 2015

The move comes due to the high temperatures expected in the city.

School District Spokesman, Fernando Gallard, says, "It's not just because today are 95, 96 degrees, it's because yesterday was in the 90's also and buildings are starting to retain heat. Our buildings are old and do not have central air conditioning."

Joanne Battle, a grandmother, says, "For me, I'd rather a 12 o'clock dismissal when it's hot like this, I'll come and get her."

The School District says that schools with graduation ceremonies scheduled for Friday can remain open for the ceremonies. Parents should call schools directly to confirm graduation schedules.

In:
• Education
• School District of Philadelphia
• Philadelphia