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West Philadelphia Elementary School Without Heat Closes Early

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A West Philadelphia elementary school without heat closed at noon on Tuesday.

Officials say Alain Locke Elementary School, on the 4500 block of Haverford Avenue, was without heat due to an issue with the HVAC system.

"It's really cold... I feel like I'm about to die," says one student.

Staff kept students in the auditorium, which was warmer than the rest of the school, as word trickled down to parents that class was canceled.

Toney Well, a parent, says, "I had to call off from work. I was on my way there."

Zylik Williams, a student, says, "It was just cold and the wind was coming through the windows, and there wasn't heat."

"I guess it is just not a good environment to learn in," adds Robert Taylor, a parent.

School district officials say they are working on the problem. No word on when the issue will be resolved.

The missed time in class will be made up throughout the year, officials say.

 

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