FAYETTE COUNTY, Tenn. — Fayette County Public Schools says schools will dismiss early Thursday and Friday due to concerns about student safety as temperatures continue to rise.

The National Weather Service is projecting a heat index range of 104 – 110 degrees on Thursday and Friday afternoon. The district said they are “extremely concerned about the safety of our students who have long bus rides home.”

Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School, Jefferson Innovative Learning Center, and East Junior High will dismiss at 11:30 a.m.

Buckley-Carpenter Elementary, LaGrange-Moscow Elementary, Oakland Elementary, Southwest Elementary, and West Junior High will dismiss at 12:30 p.m.

There will also be no after-school care at Beyond the Bell or YCare on those days.

Haywood County also announced that all Haywood County Schools will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday and Friday.

Many schools in the Mid-South are also taking precautions by delaying the kick-off of upcoming football games.

Superintendent of Millington Municipal Schools, Bo Griffin, said after careful consideration, they made the decision to push back Friday night’s game against Munford one hour after the sun goes down. Collierville Schools also announced they will do the same. 

Many schools are also holding practices early in the morning or inside until the cooler temps set back in. 

School officials are reminding people to use caution when going outside and avoid spending long periods of time outside during the excessive heat warning.