With temperatures in the region lingering near or above 100 degrees, many Northeast Mississippi school districts have made some adjustments to help students handle the heat.

Some have handed out water to students who ride school buses or allowed those with afternoon outside practices to drink water in classes. Others have moved recess indoors, particularly on days when temperatures are extreme.

"During these times, it is extremely important that school officials and parents share in the responsibility of working together to monitor the health of children and by keeping them safe from extreme heat," Mississippi Superintendent Tom Burnham said in a column released by the state Department of Education.

The Lee County School District has changed its bus routes so that younger students board last in the afternoon and spend the least amount of time on hot buses, Superintendent Mike Scott said.

"At the elementary school level, if parents have not sent water, we're making sure that those who are riding buses and want water get it," Scott said.

Bus drivers in the Tupelo Public School District received educational information on how to recognize signs of heat illnesses and how to respond to such struggles. Students are also held inside air-conditioned buildings until the buses arrive for loading, and bus riders are provided with water during extreme heat.

Elementary and middle schools in the district are not conducting outdoor activities, and Tupelo High School granted access to indoor areas during lunch periods as an alternative to outdoor courtyard areas.

Baldwyn Schools are parking their buses in a shaded area near the city park to try to keep them cooler during the day, Superintendent Harvey Brooks said.

"If it is 100 degrees, it can be 115 on that bus," Brooks said. "We're cutting it down to where it is about the same as the outside temperature."

Union County Superintendent Ken Basil said some of the district's sports team practices have started later than normal and that trainers have been on hand at the ones taking place in hotter temperatures.

"You just have to be aware of anything," Basil said.

He said many athletes are also allowed to drink water in class to keep them hydrated for afternoon practices.

Nettleton Superintendent Russell Taylor also said students participating in physical activities like football, softball, basketball and band can drink water in class.

He said the district sent e-mails and letters to all staff to be cautious of any heat-related illnesses.

The district also is taking precautions to help bus riders.

"We are keeping our kids in classes as long as we can in the air conditioning and trying to run the buses as quickly as we can," Taylor said.

Contact Chris Kieffer at (662) 678-1590 or chris.kieffer@djournal.com.