Kids back in school across western Washington are facing more than just tests and homework — they're also trying to cope with the heat. Districts in the South Sound are finding ways to keep students safe and cool in the unusually high temperatures for this time of year. “I would say it's generally not as hot as it is today,” said Jen Van, the director of Health Services for the Franklin Pierce School District. Van said the schools in her district are taking extra steps to make sure kids stay cool. “This morning I just sent out an email to our principals and our administrators and our health room staff to let them know about the potential heat, or extreme heat advisories, and the heat issues that might be going on today,” said Van, referring to the hot weather on Thursday. READ MORE: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/pierce-county-schools-protect-kids-unseasonably-high-heat/281-e27af240-d54a-4939-9ae8-0cec20989eb8