Too Hot to Handle

Intense summer heat has hit Georgia hard this year with continually soaring record breaking high temperatures hitting the 100 degree mark. Students at Creekview have been trying to find ways to stay cool and hydrated during these dangerous, scorching days.

Teams practicing outside for after school sports have to endure the sweltering afternoons. Football practice was even moved to the very early hours of the morning so players are kept cool.

“The mornings are the coolest part of the day right now, so we have to get up at 5:30 a.m. and practice until 7:45 a.m., but it makes it hard to stay awake throughout the school day,” stated Creekview junior, Joe H.

Band students are also taking on the heat. They practice outdoors two days a week for a total of five and a half hours. Many of the students have had signs of dehydration and were forced to sit on the sidelines for a break to drink water. Occasionally, sectionals are held by the discretion of the section leader. This means that space is limited and students of groups such as color guard are forced to practice outside. Due to the high temperatures, the band students now practice from 6-9 in the evening when the sunlight is not so direct.

Band member Jessica K. says, “It may seem hotter than it really is because we practice on the black concrete, but the heat does not stop us. The safety of the band members is our number one concern, so we go on water breaks quite often.”

Other issues with high temperatures include dress code and sitting outside in the courtyard. The two go hand in hand with the heat problem. Students may not sit outside in the blazing sun of the courtyard during lunch if they choose to wear jeans and long sleeved shirts. Therefore, many students have been breaking the dress code just to stay cool in the day.

Additionally, revenue for the café has been increasing due to the heat wave as well. The Lazy Bear Café has been crowded because students want the icy cold frappuccinos after walking through the steamy parking lot in the mornings or riding in a stuffy bus.
“I tend to go to the Lazy Bear Café at least three times a week to get a chilled drink. It cools me down in the morning classes,” stated Brooke J., senior.

Creekview students started school the first week of August, but some schools, such as those in Fulton County did not start school until Monday, August 23rd. Their high schools may have the benefit of not having to deal with the effects of the heat.

By: Katelyn Presnell