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Students Sweat It Out Without Air Conditioning

DENVER (CBS4)- Thursday's high in Denver broke a 98-year record. Denver recorded 97 degrees, the previous record was 96 degrees set in 1913.

School started in Denver for most students last week. Many of them sit in classrooms without air conditioning in record-breaking heat.

"Second day of school, I picked her up and she was just dripping. She was so hot," said parent Lani Kessler. "My concern is when it's 95 degrees in a classroom at 10:30 in the morning, it definitely impacts the learning experience."

A few years ago, Morey Middle School Principal Dori Claunch asked about the school's chances for upgrading to air conditioning.

"You know this building was built in 1921 and it can't sustain air conditioning throughout the building," said Claunch.

The staff tries to make the conditions as good as they can.

"Our custodian comes in at 6 a.m. and opens windows in the classrooms. Our teachers are keeping the lights off and the shades pulled. Many of the classrooms have multiple fans going. Teachers can also move outside, allowing water at any time, encouraging kids to hydrate. Shorts are allowed, too," said Claunch.

"We hope for cool weather. You know, it's a record high heat right now so it's unusually warm. So, hopefully we get the weather folks to help us out here."

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