Yep, it's a September heat wave

 and as a result, this is now rolling out through our communication channels:

Dear Worcester Public Schools Community,

In an effort to keep our children and staff safe, due to the extended forecast of hot temperatures, all Worcester Public Schools will dismiss students three (3) hours early on Thursday, September 7, and Friday, September 8. Breakfast and lunch will be served. There will be no half-day preschool on Thursday or Friday.

Additionally, Worcester Public Schools has made the following adjustments to the high school athletic schedules:

-All games will be canceled for today, Wednesday, September 6, and tomorrow, Thursday, September 7. We are monitoring the conditions before making a decision about Friday, September 8. 

-We are allowing two options for indoor and outdoor practices for today and tomorrow. Teams may practice after 6 PM or at 6 AM if the temperature is in adherence with MIAA heat guidelines. We are monitoring the conditions before making a decision about Friday. Please confirm with your child’s coach what time practice will take place.

-Please know that no athlete will be penalized for not participating in a practice this evening or tomorrow morning.

Please check the district website, worcesterschools.org, or call your child’s school for the exact release time for your child/ren’s school. Again, all schools will dismiss three (3) hours earlier than their normal dismissal time on Thursday, September 7 and Friday, September 8.

Sincerely,

Rachel H. Monárrez, Ph.D.

Superintendent

Worcester Public Schools

A few notes from me: Yes, buses will run: in the morning as usual, in the afternoon, three hours earlier. My Stop DOES work for these early dismissals! 
Please be sure your athletes are clear: there are NO PENALTIES for missing practice today or tomorrow! I'm not seeing teams make that clear.