Pantagraph.com | News | Heat making for miserable start to school year

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Fair and Balanced? wrote on Aug 31, 2007 7:23 AM:

" One thing we all need to realize is that the school administrators have the health and welfare of our kids in mind. I hope we think about this when the investment is required! I give kudo's to the superintentdent and the principals....you all have done an excellent job making sure our kids have been protected and safe in this very hot weather! If more people knew how much extra work they did to keep things "cool"...they would give you all thanks as well. "

To "here is a thought" wrote on Aug 26, 2007 12:01 PM:

" ...or yet another option is getting people to band together to make a current situation improve . . . like getting a petition together and speaking to the school board, requesting immediate action. Oh yeah, we're already doing that (gopetition.com) . . . so I guess the only thing we're guilty of, is wanting to make a positive difference in the community for our kids. And since most of us can't afford private school and need two incomes just to make make ends meet (which wouldn't allow us to home school either), this is really my only option, isn't it. Yes, I could pick my child up at school at 11:00 a.m. each day, but they would fall behind with school work and I would lose my job. Don't we all just want the very best for our children? I'm sure that's a big reason why the author of "whiners" moved from their 3rd world country in the first place. "

to Proud wrote on Aug 26, 2007 9:10 AM:

" I don't hear anyone *screaming* about this. Petitions, comments on the newspaper blog, bringing up points and counterpoints is productive for all sides in problem solving. This is democracy in action, not screaming. "

Here is a thought... wrote on Aug 25, 2007 9:38 PM:

" If school without air conditioning is "child abuse" then don't send your student to school. Doesn't sending them to a hot school make you just as guilty? Make arrangements with the teacher and pick them up at 11:00 (or home school or send them to a private air conditioned school). In America, there are always options! "

Proud wrote on Aug 25, 2007 7:06 PM:

" Heyworth citizens should be proud of the changes that have occurred, and will continue. I think you will find that if we as a community work together and look at things as a whole, we will continue to be successful. But when everyone thinks that all you have to do is scream a little to get your agenda, you forget that all things still need to be balanced. The administration and the board have children in those same classrooms. I am sure they would like to solve the situation as well. Work with the team and we can find a solution. "

hot in heyworth wrote on Aug 25, 2007 6:25 PM:

" I appreciated all the comments that I have read thus far. I was a bit distraught by the comments of "sucking it up and dealing with it," but I feel that many a person countered their responses very well, so I won't give any more time to such nonsense. Also, very good points were made about the administration having air-conditioned offices. I'd like to see them sweating it out in the A/C free part of the school building and see how much work they get done and how well they feel at the end of the day! However, when it's all said and done, we have to look at what's really important here.....our kids!!! So, to the administration and school board I just have to say that "If you care, you'll get air!!!!!!!!" "

Whiners wrote on Aug 25, 2007 4:44 PM:

" To "authors of "whiners' : You have just proven my point. YOU are a whiner!!! FYI, I am from a third world country and yes I am a parent and my children are very well adjusted, thank you!! "

limatime99 wrote on Aug 25, 2007 3:59 PM:

" It is true that in the past schools lacked air conditioning, and that "third world contries" (its not the preferred nomenclature, man) often lack air conditioning. However, I have spent time in some of these developing locations, and while it does get hot, they are intelligent and industrious enough to create architectural styles which are conducive to air flow, rather than inhibit circulation with foot-thick brick walls and windows that will only open 3 inches. But that is not the central issue. I think a petition is a good first step, but as a person who has lobbied many a school administration for significant (and significantly costly) improvements, its also a good idea to go in with statistics, and any other research you can come up with. Good luck! "

To author of "whiners" wrote on Aug 25, 2007 3:43 PM:

" Apparently the author of "whiners" either has no children of their own, or is a heartless and abusive parent. Yes, we are very lucky not to live in a 3rd world country where children are dying of, starvation, heatstroke and diseases that are preventable with vaccines available in other countries. BUT THAT"S THE POINT ISN"T IT??? WE DON'T LIVE IN A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY . . WE LIVE IN AMERICA! Would you have our children go without vaccines, good nutrition and healthcare as well? There are many documented studies by researchers that prove children learn and retain more in a comfortable climate . . neither too hot, or too cold. Think about it . . . could you think clearly if the room temperature almost matched your body temperature? Are you at your best when you are sweaty, thirsty, smelly and your head is aching from the heat? I'm betting not. "

L SIMS wrote on Aug 25, 2007 2:22 PM:

" I LIVE "DOWNSTATE" FROM YOU CITY FOLKS,AND AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR ILL-EQUIPPED SCHOOL AT HEYWORTH. WHILE A.C. ISN'T THE MOST IMPORTANT FACILITY IN A SCHOOL,IT CERTAINLY IS A WONDERFUL AID TO TEACHING,LEARNING AND PHYSICAL HEALTH AND COMFORT. WHY WOULD YOU DENY YOUR CHILDREN SOMETHING YOU WOULD NOT DENY YOURSELF? AND,NO TIME LOST FROM THE SCHOOL DAY OR THE SCHOOL YEAR,DUE TO HEAT!!! COME ON,HEYWORTH!! BE COOL!! "

Whiners wrote on Aug 25, 2007 2:20 PM:

" Our spoiled and over indulged children could learn a thing or two from kids who live in third world countries. They live with the heat all year long but grin and bear it. If our kids can't stand the heat, get a fan or drink tons of water and get over it!!!! "

Amen to "past makes no difference" wrote on Aug 25, 2007 7:56 AM:

" Couldn't have said it better! "

Past makes no difference wrote on Aug 25, 2007 5:21 AM:

" The past doesn't make one bit of difference today, and comparing then to now only serves to cloud the real issue. The NIH, the CDC, the EPA and your own doctor will tell you that excessive heat can be a life threatening condition -- come on, who's silly enough to say that excessive heat isn't life threatening? We had a teacher who lost consciousness because the heat. Does a teacher or child have to die before someone will change their priorities from providing a comfy seat in a sports complex to the very basic health and well being of our children? This is not a new issue, and needs to be addressed immediately. "

Without Heat wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:33 PM:

" I would rather go without heat because then you can at least bundle up! With no air conditioning, you can only strip down so much! Especially for the poor male teachers who aren't allowed to wear shorts! Isn't that discrimination? I see that superintendent walking around in full suits, but I can guarantee that his office is probably set at a frigid 60 degrees! "

Horrible wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:32 PM:

" I am in the school every day and it is horribly hot. Yes, in previous decades children went without air-conditioning at school, but in previous decades many homes did not have air-conditioning either. Children (as well as adults in this day) are so used to being in a temperature controlled environment that the drastic difference of leaving their 70 degree home to spend all day in a 90 degree classroom is extremely uncomfortable. We don't ask children to 'toughen up' and go without heat in the winter. Why should air-conditioning be any different? Priorities need to be set. When it comes down to it, those classrooms are hot for a good 3 months out of the school year. That's a THIRD of the school year! "

Important petition info. cont.. wrote on Aug 24, 2007 7:40 PM:

" For some reason you can only access the petition for A. C. at the Heyworth Grade School through a direct html link (which cannot be listed here as per Pantagraph rules). However, the petition's direct html link is listed on: HeyworthHope.org This is the site owned by the Heyworth Organization of Parents and Educators. Please sign the petition for our school, and tell your neighbors, friends and family members. No address is required . . . just a name. Thanks! "

Veteran wrote on Aug 24, 2007 7:00 PM:

" Army basic training is like summer camp compared to 25 years ago. Todays kids are so pampered with their computer games, IPods, cell phones and everyother luxury item available, our future of freedom looks very dim. A luxury item to a child of Al Queda (sp) amounts to a shiny rock or a hub cap salvaged from a destroyed bombed out car. I doubt they suspend school because it is too hot. "

Very curious wrote on Aug 24, 2007 6:19 PM:

" Why is it that the Champaign area schools are dismissing at 11 or 11:30 and still being counted as a full day? Staying until 2:00 doesn't help! Also there are several teachers at Heyworth with interior rooms that are reaching to 92-94 degrees each day, something needs to be done!!!!!! "

Amanda wrote on Aug 24, 2007 5:48 PM:

" To all you years ago commentators: Yeah, and the pioneers fought the Indians....and Abe Lincoln read by candles...and our great great grandmothers washed clothes outside in the streams....It's the 21st century...Get the a/c for the kids...for pete's sakes!!! "

Re: years ago~~ wrote on Aug 24, 2007 5:26 PM:

" Hardy-har-har. funny mr/ms smarty britches. "

hey big man and to bad wrote on Aug 24, 2007 5:24 PM:

" your ignorant Iraq comment was ignored the first time so your need for attention caused you to try again....I would offer that you should feel free to mention to any active duty deployed service member in person that they are wimps and see who comes out with that cage match loser look "

Red Pen wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:44 PM:

" Rediculous is spelled ridiculous. Sorry- the teacher in me just couldn't help it. "

Years ago wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:28 PM:

" I remember going to Washington School before there was A/C. This was around 95'-98'. It wasn't fun with the heat, but being able to bring water bottles to class and trips to the water fountain helped a lot. My parents would fill up the bottle about half way and put it in the freezer the night before and fill it the rest of the way in the morning before dropping me off. Those big fans in the halls were actually nice, too. True they didn't really cool anything off, but the circulation added with your body's natural coolant (sweat evaporating) worked well enough. So, while it isn't fun, it can be handled in the mean time. Honestly, our biggest concern during those times were bees finding their way inside the windows and not the heat. "

Heyworth Resident wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:25 PM:

" Time for change. Lets start with getting rid of Randy Merker. Then use his salary to help pay for the A/C. Take it to the school board. Tell them how you feel. They will listen......Time for change..... "

Big Man wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:11 PM:

" If these kids can't handle this kind of heat, what kind of wimps are they? Is it any wonder we are losing the war in Iraq? This is the timeout generation way of raising kids in action. "

Current Petition Started wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:09 PM:

" A current online petition from the community of concerned parents and citizens regarding the need for air-conditioning by July 2008 at Heyworth Grade School has been written. If you'd like to add your name to this list, that will be presented to the HUSD #4 School Board its next meeting, go to: gopetition.com It is under the "Education" category; keywords: Heyworth Grade School or air-conditioing. Tell all your friends family and neighbors! We'd like at least 700 names on our list. (That would be one person to represent every H.G.S. staff member and student affected by this hot topic). "

I don't want to hear** wrote on Aug 24, 2007 3:00 PM:

" About way back when, using corn stalks for tp. Gross, and we're not in that era any more. It's hot and our kids feel it. I bring a cold drink to them when I greet em off the bus. "

Cooler in June wrote on Aug 24, 2007 2:58 PM:

" I'll be happy to have my child in school until June 17th, because it's still cooler than mid and late August. This is our child's health we're talking about here, not our own convenience. "

IYF wrote on Aug 24, 2007 2:53 PM:

" Starting after Labor Day will make school go until the end of June. There has to be 176 student attendance days. Right now everyone wants to wait until Sept. to start school, but how will you feel June 17th or 18th when kids are still attending. And I know no one wants to give up spring break. "

Upset Mother wrote on Aug 24, 2007 1:30 PM:

" My child came home the other day completely exhausted and terribly sick to his stomach from the heat. The next day came home drank almost 3 bottles of water and had a headache. When I called the school to ask what they were doing to keep the kids cool and the response I got was "we are doing everything possible but it really isn't THAT bad"...from the principal who is sitting in his air conditioned office. I find it completely rediculous that the board room that is rarely used is air conditioned and the secretary of the school is wearing a sweater because she is so cold. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. "

Dead Eye Dick wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:21 PM:

" "Amanda": There is a reason why prisons and dog kennels are air conditioned. First things first. "

MRS. wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:18 PM:

" It is true we walked to school and did not have A/C but a lot of us didn't have it in our homes either. Today’s kids and most teachers were born in air-conditioned hospitals and went home to air-conditioned homes. They are use to A/C so I can see why all schools should be cooled. We were also use to walking home in snowstorms. Many times by the time I walked the mile and half home my legs were bleeding from the wind. Girls didn't wear pants back then. I don't recall one kid dying or growing up to be a mass murderer because of it. "

Amanda wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:34 AM:

" Even prisons and dog kennels are air conditioned. When Field was still open for students it was not air conditioned except for the principal and secretary's offices. Once it closed as a school and the administrators moved in it became air conditioned. It's child abuse to not have air conditioning in the schools. "

realevergreen wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:05 AM:

" And to top it all off, we have a governor who can't get the electric rate agreement taken care of, and can't finish the budget. Give 'em a sucker and send 'em home. I mean the big kids. "

Good point by "Outraged" wrote on Aug 24, 2007 11:03 AM:

" Maybe Village officials in Heyworth should try teaming up with the school board for a change, and help out financially. With all those new Heyworth subdivisions they hope to build and fill, it would be in their best interest to be able to boast an all-air-conditioned school system. Why would anyone with kids want to maove to a community without an air-conditioned grade school? We're talking at least 8 weeks of heat in the fall and at least 4 weeks of heat in the spring! That's child abuse, man! "

Kent Dorfman wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:59 AM:

" I grew up w/o air conditioning in a big old hot house. I handled it just fine. Since I got a little older I live in a/c. I won't live w/o it. My kids are used to it. They do play outside on hot days, but being in a hot brick building would make them sick. All you "back in my day" folks can shove it. It's like football practice back 40-30 years ago and players were denied water and took salt tablets. They found out that more water was better. So is a/c. Even poorer folk have a wall unit to use in part of their house so don't say it's "status," either. I feel for these kids, I really do - and I never had a/c in school until I made junior high so you can squash that theory, too, bubba. "

to: outraged in Heyworth... wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:54 AM:

" You should have chosen Downs anyway.... "

Hey Heyworth! Let's go make some noise! wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:53 AM:

" When is the next Heyworth School Board Meeting? My school calendar shows not until October. We need this on the Board agenda now, so that we can get this thing taken care of before spring. Remember how hot it got last April? The power of people in the community speaking out at the last school board meeting got the 4th classroom added back in the Kindergarten. Let's resolve this heat issue now! Let's get petitions going and put some pressure on these "powers that be". Let the "IF YOU CARE, GIVE THEM AIR" campaign begin!!! "

Just me wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:46 AM:

" Is it just me or does anyone else find it rediculous that the school board meeting room is air conditioned and our kids are overheating. Heaven forbid the school board get hot. HOW REDICULOUS!!! "

2 quick things F.Y.I. in Heyworth wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:39 AM:

" #1. Both the superintendent and principal's offices in Heyworth are air-conditioned. (Not exactly the sign of good leadership . . . if the teachers and kids have to suffer, so should they.) #2. The non-air-conditioned Grade School has a higher population of students and staff, than the air-conditioned Jr./Sr. High. (Doesn't make much sense, does it?) "

Outraged in Heyworth wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:33 AM:

" We just moved here and I'm outraged to learn my kids are in a building without A.C. in 96+ weather. We carefully chose this community over Bloomington for several reasons, but had we known our kids would have to suffer and sweat in their classrooms, we would have probably chosen another small community like Downs or LeRoy. We just assumed every public school in Central Illinois would have to have air conditioning. It never crossed our minds to even ask that question. It's enough to make me consider home schooling! "

Heyworth Grade School Dad with inside scoop wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:25 AM:

" According to family members, the heat was responsible for the teacher passing out during Wednesdsay morning gym class. She was taken to the hospital by ambulance and suffered facial abrasions from the fall. Additionally, three years ago, grade school teachers banded together and presented to the school board an offer to purchase their own window A.C. units out of pocket. The Board denied this offer because they said it would be too costly to run all those units and it would compromise the "physical appearance" of the school. (Is it really cheaper to run 3-6 fans in every classroom?) Randy Merker tells me that it will cost $600,000 to put A.C. in the gradeschool. Why are they spending over 2 million on a football field? Priorities?!%#*!! "

bert wrote on Aug 24, 2007 10:01 AM:

" the idea that schools should not have a/c because it somehow makes the children less "tough" is ludicrous......my great grandfather used corn shucks for toilet paper, should we take their tp away to?.....I am assuming that you tough guys refuse to use your a/c or go anywhere equipped with it because you don't want to becoma a pansy? "

Older Heyworth parent and voter -we should be smarter now wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:57 AM:

" I'm an older parent and I also remember walking to school both ways, no air conditioner, etc. I also remember we didn't start school until after Labor Day and were dismissed when the heat became excessive. Just because we struggled back in our day, doesn't mean that our educators and children should today. Obviously this is a health and safety issue for our children and educators, because a teacher DID faint in the Heyworth Elementary School from the heat this week. It's my understanding window units were turned down by Randy Merker because according to him, "they are an eyesore." What's the priority? Something needs to be done, and there are several solutions available. I would hope the Heyworth School system does it on it's own before they are pressured or embarrassed into it by the parents. If we can afford a 2 million dollar sports complex project with cost over-runs, we can afford air conditioning for the elementary school. Get on it Heyworth School Board, or we will elect a board that CAN! "

Heyworth Alumni: wrote on Aug 24, 2007 9:43 AM:

" Why didn't they add AC into the mix of adding on to the Grade School? Does the high school have AC now? They need to make getting this in both schools a priority, if they are going to start school before Labor Day when it's still hot and humid. I still remember sweating my a** off in the classes, especially in high school, while the principal sat in his office with AC. You would think if he has a window unit, so should the teachers and students who actually did something during the day. "

Phineas Fogg wrote on Aug 24, 2007 8:36 AM:

" So why does the school year start in mid August now? When I was a kid we didn' t start school until after labor day. If the state is going to require kids to go to school in summer, they should make sure they're going to comfortable buildings. Classrooms don't even have windows for ventilation now in order to cut energy use. Our kids shouldn't have to be taught in sweat boxes. I bet Blago's jet has air conditioning. "

Global Warming wrote on Aug 24, 2007 8:33 AM:

" It's only going to get hotter! "

Too Soon wrote on Aug 24, 2007 8:20 AM:

" This is the reason schools should not be in session until after Labor Day. August is the hottest month of the year, and the school year seems to be starting earlier every year. "

Fatso wrote on Aug 24, 2007 8:17 AM:

" "Heyworth": No one wants to see male teachers in shorts. "

Heyworth wrote on Aug 24, 2007 7:29 AM:

" They did not bring water in to the grade school til late yesterday according to my third grader and they are definietly not recieving popsicles either. "

Too Bad wrote on Aug 24, 2007 7:08 AM:

" It was hot when my gerneration was in school, and we had no ac. Another examle of the time out generation dumming down America. Is it any wonder that we are losing the war in Iraq? "

Donations? wrote on Aug 24, 2007 6:31 AM:

" Just use my tax dollars. I have given enough between taxes & public school fees. "

Heyworth wrote on Aug 24, 2007 5:35 AM:

" What about the P.E teacher (grade school) that passed out and was taken by ambulance to St. Joe. Was it heat related????? "

Heyworth wrote on Aug 24, 2007 5:33 AM:

" Heyworth could spare 50 grand out of the 2 million dollar stadium to put A/C in the grade school. But Randy wants a rod iron fence. Guess that wont happen. Also per the superintendent Randy Merker, Male teachers cant wear shorts, but the female teachers can. I have been in the school it is very hot. The school gives out fans to blow the hot air around. NOT COOL! "

Back in my day... wrote on Aug 24, 2007 12:03 AM:

" Back in the day of the walk to school both ways up hill in snow over the telephones, we didn't whine and complain about a little heat.. we just went... it was hot because it was summer.. and did we get popsicles? no.. did we get out early? no. time for the kids to get a dose of reality, where whining and complaining doesn't do anything. "

Just A Guy wrote on Aug 23, 2007 11:43 PM:

" What is the use of dismissing one hour or less early? By the time the students get home from the bus ride has anytime really been gained to beat the heat? I will concede that in the winter, when a storm is rolling in, that the one hour can make a world of difference. "

FYI wrote on Aug 23, 2007 11:41 PM:

" Why don't they just put in some window units? I'm sure they could get enough in donations to buy them if needed. "

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