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In the months August and September, the state of Utah had a record breaking heat wave, with temperatures soaring over 100 degrees. Because of these high temperatures, students and teachers have been struggling to focus in their classes at NS, and many other schools are trying to find solutions to these problems.
This summer, there were 26 days where it was over 100°F in Salt Lake City, and it isn’t just hot there. In Sanpete County, the 12 month average increased by 1.3°F from 1900 to 2022.
The heat is not only affecting the environment, but also the people.
“I can’t even think right because it is so hot,” said junior Breanna Kumor.
Sections of the high school building don’t have any air conditioning, and that makes it hard for the kids and teachers to cool off. Math teacher Matt Syme says he lets his students have breaks and allows them to go to the air conditioned part of the school so they can focus more. He even goes with them sometimes just because his body needs a break from the heat.
“When it reaches a certain temperature, your body goes into survival mode,” Syme said. “When your brain is in that mode, it doesn’t have the ability to learn.”
In the south portion of NS, classroom temperatures have climbed to nearly 90 degrees. This heat, especially inside, is not normal and is not comfortable for people to learn and work in.
“[Students are] less patient,” said teacher John Sadler, “their attention span is less, and their ability to problem solve is even more less.”
Students struggle not only with learning because of the heat, but they also have a hard time accomplishing simple daily tasks.
“The heat makes me not want to do things,” said sophomore Caden Kidder.
According to an article by KSL, students and teachers were so affected by the heat, that some schools in Weber and Box Elder county were let out early because they have no air conditioning. Sections of the high school building do have air conditioning, so NS administrators decided to continue with the normal school hours.
Thankfully, this heat wave is over now. We have been getting plenty of rain, and students and teachers are able to function much better.
“I love the rain.” Kidder said.
