Cold Classrooms are Detrimental to Learning

As the temperature drops during the winter months, students are feeling that the classrooms are too cold. Many students resort to wearing heavy jackets and many layers to class, and feel as if the frigid winter temperature outside is warmer than classrooms. This is negatively impacting students’ lives, and distracts from learning. The administration must take action to help create a better learning environment.

Junior Nathan Jay said, “It’s already cold and wet outside, and when I walk into class it’s even colder which is so annoying. I find it hard to escape the cold. It’s just very frustrating to me and it makes it hard to focus in class.”

School is supposed to be a safe space where students can feel comfortable and be able to learn. Having unheated classrooms during the wintertime creates a distracting environment for students and can be harmful to their health and wellbeing. Even semi-cold days can increase risk of death for many people, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Cold weather is directly correlated to hypothermia and frostbite.

“I sit in the direct path of the vent in a few of my classes, and I’m always shivering from the cold. It makes it difficult for me to focus when my hands feel like ice,” said junior Evonne Xu.

According to the Regional Educational Laboratory, the optimal temperature for learning should be between 68 to 72 degrees. A study at Westview High School reveals that students scored the highest, 90%, when the temperature was at 72 degrees, and when the temperature was at 61 degrees students scored significantly lower, 76%.

Teachers have to realize that the climate conditions of classrooms can affect students’ education negatively. Turning on the air conditioner during the wintertime should not be an option. It creates a frustrating environment where students are placed at a disadvantage. The administration needs to have regulations for classroom temperature, so students can perform their best.