The Hancock Central School District believes outdoor recess is an important and valuable part of our students’ day. Fresh air, exercise and time spent outside afford students a break from the structure of the classroom. Most importantly, teachers agree that students perform best at school when they have an opportunity for vigorous outdoor play, so we try to get them out whenever possible.

As we begin the school year, it is imperative your child is dressed appropriately for the weather and is prepared to play outside. During the winter season, at a minimum, every child should have a jacket, gloves or mittens, and a hat. If there is snow on the ground, snow boots and pants are necessary. If students do not have snow boots and snow pants, they will be limited to the blacktop area on the playground.

There will be times when it is not safe for children to be outdoors, or for outdoor time to be limited. Factors considered in determining outdoor safety are:

* Temperature/Wind Chill (children will remain indoors when temperatures fall below 25 degrees, including wind chill).

* Precipitation (rain, hail, snow, freezing rain)

* Age of students

* Length of time outdoors

* Playground conditions

While there is no formal recess in the middle and high school, it is important that students still dress appropriately for the weather. Furthermore, as temperatures significantly cool during the winter months, students should dress for comfort and warmth inside of the elementary and high school buildings while school is in session. As a reminder, for health and safety reasons, heavy, bulky winter coats cannot be worn inside the building during the school day.

Finally, it is preferred that AM student drop-offs and walkers arrive at 7:50 a.m. or later. Please recall that elementary students should be dropped off at the main entrance next to the cafeteria, while middle and high school students should be dropped off at the first-floor main entrance by the flagpole. Dismissal is at 2:34 p.m., and all students pickups should take place in the same locations as morning drop-offs.

We are looking forward to a wonderful 2020-2021 school year. If you have any questions, please contact the HS/MS office at 607-637-1305 or the Elementary office at 607-637-1219.

Thank you for your support in helping us keep your children safe, healthy and happy.