Email Sent August 25, 2026
Subject: Staying Safe in Hot Weather
Dear San Diego Unified Families,
As high temperatures continue across the San Diego region, with heat advisories and excessive heat warnings in effect in some areas, San Diego Unified is closely monitoring conditions and taking steps to help keep students and staff safe.
All educational spaces in our schools are air conditioned, with the exception of the gymnasium, but during periods of high heat, schools follow Hot Weather Plans that may include:
- Modifying instructional activities and adjusting schedules when necessary
- Limiting or rescheduling strenuous physical activities and recess
- Utilizing shaded and air-conditioned spaces as available
- Providing access to drinking water and encouraging hydration
- Monitoring students and staff for signs of heat-related illness
- Relocating students from non-air-conditioned areas when needed
Outdoor Activities
Teachers, coaches and staff supervising outdoor activities – including athletics, physical education, cheerleading, recess, and other programs – closely monitor weather conditions and students throughout the day. Staff provide additional water and rest breaks and make adjustments to outdoor activities when necessary.
All San Diego Unified high school coaches are trained in district hot weather procedures and certified through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) on heat illness prevention and school sites receive guidance from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for emergency action plans.
Through NFHS’s “Heat Illness Prevention Course,” coaches learn both preventative and emergency measures, such as adjusting intensity and rest and ensuring all participants stay hydrated, as fundamentals of a strong heat acclimatization plan to help recognize signs early.
In addition, San Diego Unified Registered Nurses (RN) and trained health office staff prevent, recognize and manage heat illness.
Athletic practices and competitions are monitored in accordance with State legislation, district protocols and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules, including daily WetBulb Globe Temperature readings through the newly installed Perry Weather monitoring and alerting systems when appropriate. Based on those conditions, schools may modify, relocate or reschedule outdoor activities.
Schools may also relocate students from non-air-conditioned areas , such as gyms, when needed and will make use of shaded and air-conditioned spaces whenever available.
Families Can Help Students Stay Cool
Please encourage your student to drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider sending them to school with a refillable water bottle. Students should dress for the weather when possible by wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Remind students to take breaks from the heat and to tell an adult right away if they begin to feel unwell.
Families are also encouraged to review the Heat Illness Prevention Plan with their children for information on preventing heat illness, recognizing warning signs and knowing when to seek medical attention.
For complete information on district guidance, please review:
Administrative Procedure 4032 – Hot Weather Operations
Hot Weather Operations Website
Jennifer Alfonso, RN, MSN
Program Manager
Nursing & Wellness
San Diego Unified School District