Hot Weather Guidelines
With higher temperatures and extreme heat conditions occurring more often, all schools in the Santee School District have plans in place to ensure the continued operation of schools during periods of extreme hot weather.
The safety and well-being of our students and employees is our top priority. We want to help everyone stay healthy, prevent heat-related illnesses, and keep learning on track—even on the hottest days.
Our schools follow clear guidelines for instruction, recess, and athletics during hot weather. These guidelines are informed by the latest recommendations from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and are designed to minimize exposure to dangerous heat levels. You can review CDPH guidance for schools on sports and strenuous outdoor activities during extreme heat here.
How Families Can Help
- Make sure your child comes to school well-hydrated.
- Dress them in lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Send a refillable water bottle each day.
- Remind them to take water breaks even if they don’t feel thirsty.
Monitoring the Heat
We use the National Weather Service’s “HeatRisk” forecast, which combines weather data with public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
HeatRisk is a more accurate measure than temperature alone because it considers:
- Unusual heat for the location and time of year
- How long the heat will last
- Potential health impacts for the general population and those more sensitive to heat
You can check the daily HeatRisk forecast here: National Weather Service HeatRisk Tool
