Goddard School of Old Town Alexandria expands Water Days during summer heat

The Goddard School of Old Town Alexandria is urging families to take extra precautions as extreme heat grips the Washington, D.C. region and much of the country. The school is also adding more Water Days this summer to keep children cool with supervised water play.

Why it matters: - Young children are more vulnerable to heat-related illness because their bodies heat up faster than adults. - Parents and caregivers need to adjust summer routines during prolonged heat waves. - School safety practices can help reduce risk while children still get outdoor activity.

What happened: - The Goddard School of Old Town Alexandria issued summer heat safety tips on July 22, 2026. - The school said it is expanding Water Days throughout the summer. - The added Water Days give students more chances for supervised water play on the playground. - The school is in Alexandria, Virginia, in the Washington, D.C. region.

The details: - Akhil Govil, owner and operator of The Goddard School of Old Town Alexandria, said teachers monitor outdoor activities and adjust schedules when temperatures rise. - Madhu Govil said the school is adding more Water Days so children can stay active while staying cool. - The school recommends that children drink water throughout the day, even before they feel thirsty. - The school advises lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing for outdoor play. - The school says sunscreen should be applied before going outside and reapplied as directed on the product label. - The school recommends limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, typically late morning through early evening. - The school advises frequent breaks in shade or air-conditioned spaces. - The school warns never to leave a child unattended in a parked vehicle, even briefly. - The school says adults should watch for signs of heat exhaustion, including excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea or unusual irritability, and seek medical help if symptoms become severe. - Teachers are using water-based activities all summer to help children stay comfortable in the heat. - Additional Water Days include supervised sprinkler play, water games and other age-appropriate activities. - The school says those activities are designed to support physical activity, social interaction and outdoor exploration. - School officials also urge parents to check local weather forecasts and heat advisories before planning outdoor activities. - Parents are encouraged to modify schedules when temperatures or humidity become excessive. - The school's website is available at More information.

Between the lines: - The announcement blends a safety reminder with a parent-facing program update, signaling that the school is trying to make heat precautions part of daily summer operations. - The added Water Days also function as a practical alternative to standard outdoor play during extreme temperatures. - The focus on simple steps suggests the school is aiming for guidance families can use immediately at home.

What's next: - The Goddard School of Old Town Alexandria plans to keep expanding Water Days through the summer. - Teachers will continue adjusting outdoor schedules as temperatures rise. - Families are expected to keep following local forecasts and heat advisories before planning outdoor activity.