As winter fades away, warmer weather is finally on the way. The temperatures are reaching into the 70s, 80s, and 90s, making changes from the colder weather students have been used to. This changes how students and the community go about their daily routines.
The warmer weather doesn’t just affect students at school, it also has an impact on the entire community. Parks begin to fill up with families, kids playing, people walking dogs, picnics, and become more common as the days get longer and the sun stays out later due to daylight savings. Alexa Lomeli (12) stated, “I definitely spend way more time outside now. During winter I would just go home, but now I stay out with my friends.”
Local businesses also start seeing changes during this time of the year. Stores begin stocking summer items like sunscreen, swimsuits, and outdoor activities. Food spots like ice cream shops and places with cold drinks, became more popular as people looked for ways to cool down. The shift in weather brings a small boost in activity as more people go out instead of staying indoors. Once this warmer weather rolled in, students were trading in hoodies and jackets for shorts, T-shirts, and flip flops.
Sports play a big role during this time of the year. Spring teams like track, swim, baseball, softball, and golf are all in season, giving students more chances to stay active. Mariana Canastuj Tzul (12) said, “Doing swim in the warmer weather is great, practices are much better than when the team and I were conditioning in the colder weather.”  The nicer weather makes a difference, turning practices into something people actually look forward to instead of something they have pushed through.
Instead of rushing inside to escape the cold, students are spending more time outdoors. After school, it’s popular to see groups of students walking around campus, hanging out on the grass, or staying to watch sports games/meets. The energy feels different, less rushed and more relaxed.
Another noticeable change is how students spend their free time. According to Lomeli, “I love to go swimming after school with my friends and enjoy the nice weather.” As it gets hotter, anything involving water becomes more appealing. If it’s going to a lake, finding someone with a pool, or just outside, people start looking for ways to beat the heat. These activities often bring friends together, making weekends and afternoons more social.
However, the warmer temperatures can also come with challenges. Staying hydrated becomes more important, especially for student athletes. Practices and games in the heat can be more tiring, and students have to adjust by drinking more water, wearing sunscreen, and taking breaks when needed. Canastuj Tzul said, “Practice gets way harder in the heat, so we have to take more breaks and make sure everyone’s good.” Schools and coaches often remind students to take care of themselves in the heat to avoid exhaustion.