1 . Windows open? Fans on? Ready for another water break? For schools across Greater Toronto, the extremely hot temperatures provided some lessons in how to beat the heat—or at least attempt to—without air conditioning. It wasn’t easy. With some classroom temperatures getting close to 40℃—one teacher even handed out temperature meters to see how hot it got—both students and educators were red-faced and bathed with sweat all day.
The extreme weather had some parents wondering if their children should be spending most of the day inside hot schools, and a few chose to keep them home. Very few schools across Greater Toronto are air-conditioned. There are no rules or requirements that schools shut down as the temperature rises.
At Bowmore public school, near Coxwell Ave. and Gerrard St. E, teachers arrive at 7 am and open all the doors and windows to circulate fresh air. The windows at the school, replaced in stages over the past few years, swing in at the top, and out at the bottom to provide better air flow.
“Is it hot? Yes. Is it something that makes us feel uncomfortable? Yes,” said Headmaster Lilian Hanson. Despite that, she said she’d never advocate for air conditioners in schools, which are expensive and would consume the city’s electric power. She’d rather see more gardens, more trees—more natural solutions, more sustainable choices.
“We are teaching kids to make good choices,” she said. “Social responsibility is the key.” Students from kindergarten to Grade 8 seek pleasant places under trees and in the outdoor peaceful garden during the break time between classes and after school as the trees there provide much-needed shade. Teachers also take classes with students out there during the day. And kids do get the message about staying cool. Students are reminded to dress in cool clothing. When Hanson arrived at work in a dark-colored dress, a student asked her: “What were you thinking wearing a black dress on a day like today?”
1. What can be learned about the new windows at Bowmore public school?| A．They can let air in and out continuously. |
| B．They can let more light in. |
| C．They can stop the noise. |
| D．They can collect rains. |
| A．She thought the heat bearable. |
| B．The schools hadn’t enough money. |
| C．The city lacked enough power. |
| D．She was concerned more about environment. |
| A．Frightened. | B．Puzzled. | C．Embarrassed. | D．Interested. |
| A．The students enjoy studying outdoors. |
| B．The school is unfriendly to the students. |
| C．The school beats the heat in different ways. |
| D．The students are free to learn anything they like. |
