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Air conditioning issue prompts early dismissal at Patrick Henry K-8 School

Students learning at Patrick Henry K-8 School (via ACPS/Facebook)

Patrick Henry K-8 School (4643 Taney Avenue) is dismissing students and staff early Thursday (June 5) due to issues with its air conditioning system.

Due to temperatures exceeding 80 degrees inside the building, students will be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. All school-related events at Patrick Henry Recreation Center are also canceled.

According to Principal Kenard Robinson:

Students from Patrick Henry K-8 School (Patrick Henry) will be dismissed early at 1:30 p.m. today due to concerns related to elevated building temperatures, as temperatures are currently above 80 degrees.

Patrick Henry administrators and Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) leadership have determined that the elevated school temperatures are uncomfortable for students and staff. As a result, an early dismissal has been called, and all after-school activities in the building are canceled.

Afternoon Bus Dismissal for Patrick Henry K-8 School Students

We want families to be aware that their students will arrive at their bus stops this afternoon at an earlier time than the usual arrival time. We want to ensure that all Kindergarten students are met by a parent/guardian at the stops. Please be prepared for students to be dropped off after school as early as 2:00 p.m. Parents should remain at the stop until the bus arrives. If you are enrolled in the ParentPortal program, you can monitor your student’s bus arrival time in greater detail.

The team will be meeting to determine what activities and instruction can be delivered at the school for the remainder of the week. We will communicate with families about these plans when they are confirmed.

We know this may be a difficult situation for families to manage and we appreciate your patience as we implement this plan. The safety and well-being of our students and staff are the most important priorities.

via ACPS/Facebook

About the Author

  • Reporter James Cullum has spent nearly 20 years covering Northern Virginia. He began working with ALXnow in 2020, and has covered every story under the sun for the publication, from investigative stories to features and photo galleries. His work includes coverage of national and international situations, as well as from the White House, Capitol, Pentagon, Supreme Court and State Department. He's covered protests and riots throughout the U.S. (including the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol), in addition to earthquake-ridden Haiti, Western Sahara in North Africa and war-torn South Sudan. He has photographed presidents and other world leaders, celebrities and famous musicians, and excels under pressure.