RCS tries to keep cool during heat wave

High school students dined without lights Tuesday as the district did what it could to reduce the heat inside the school buildings.

RCS took steps to keep cool during this week's heat wave, and at the same time be energy efficient.

Lights were dimmed or turned off in common areas of all four schools, water and shelter provided on playgrounds and student activities limited during recess. At the same time, physical education classes  took place out of the sun and inside.

Many of the areas in the district’s four schools are not air conditioned and the district’s Energy Conservation Manager sent out a memo advising teachers of steps to take to keep the buildings as cool as possible without straining energy usage.

Specifically, he recommended, “in areas with air conditioning, please be sure doors and windows remain shut at all times. Try to keep your blinds closed and, every chance possible, shut off the lights.  In areas without air conditions, which like most Northeastern schools is most of the buildings,  keep doors and windows open for any cross breezes and keep blinds half open to block the sun, but not the breeze. Keep lights off at all times and minimize physical activities in the classroom.

Principals also shut down hallway lights when there is sufficient daylight to maintain safety and all staff were asked to turn off extra computers or other mechanical equipment that produces heat.