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SANDY -- Going online is one way to beat the heat, but some kids returning to school after summer break are finding more creative ways to stay cool.
Albion Middle School students moved from a building with no air conditioning and virtually no windows to a new building with windows to let the breeze in. But there is still no air conditioning. And as temperatures remain in the 90's, it is a little tough to concentrate on school work.
"You feel like the marshmallow in the fire," said 9th grader Jessica Mcghie.
And with about 25 to 30 students in one room, along with late August temperatures, students like McGhie are trying to find ways to stay cool in school.
"I've been building mini fans and bending the paper to stay cool," McGhie said. "I bet someone could get very ill from this heat."
"It's hard to concentrate when you're trying to keep yourself cool and comfortable," said 9th grader Andrew Smith.
You feel like the marshmallow in the fire.
–Jessica Mcghie
Principal Joanne Ackerman said students will have a harder time concentrating on school when they're trying to get out of the heat.
"They get uncomfortable," she said. "They don't want to worry about math principles or science or anything like that. They just want to be cool."
Because the students are stuck in high temperatures, Principal Ackerman said she went to the health department to find out how to keep kids safe in schools when the classrooms don't have an air conditioner.
"We tell the students and we tell the parents: have them wear light-colored clothing, loose-fitting clothing, freeze water bottles the night before, bring them with you and feel free throughout the day to drink water -- drink plenty of water and stay hydrated." she said. "
"It's so warm. If it's like this the next couple of weeks, we're going to have some problems because it's hot," McGhie said.
By next fall, the students of Albion Middle School will return to their newly remodeled school, complete with air conditioning. For now, they will have to brave the near 100-degree temperatures expected for the week.
Email: niyamba@ksl.com
