Students at one North Valley school district are back in class and beating the heat

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- While most kids still have a couple weeks left of summer break, class is back in session for students in the Weaver School District. That's because the school district runs on a on a trimester system-- meaning kids get extra time off in fall and spring along with extended winter and summer breaks.

"We found that if we can have a shorter summer, and get them back in school we can get them back on track a little bit sooner," said Jackie Spielman, Weaver Middle Vice Principal.

Starting in July, the kids are doing more than just trying to make the grade- they're trying to beat the heat.

"Their safety is our number one priority and keeping them. We don't want anyone to get hurt or them having to go to the hospital for any reason of getting overheated," said Spielman.

Vice principals at Weaver Middle said the school has already taken precautions starting with some schedule changes.

"Once the temperature gets hot, we have our PE classes go indoors. They do alternative lessons," said Elijah Gong, Weaver Middle Vice Principal.

Along with several water fountain stations throughout their three campuses, Weaver Middle also installed a new fountain to make sure their water bottle is never empty.

"We have a new water system where they can take their water bottle and it'll automatically fill it up for them," said Spielman.

Gong said the district hired another full time maintenance employee before the start of the year and all the teachers have been taught what to look out for.

"Training is done at the beginning of the year for teachers to give them the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion of heat illness," said Gong.

The district hasn't had any heat related illnesses yet. They plan to keep an eye on the heat to make sure the students are cool and hydrated in class.