Outdoor recess is an important and valuable part of our elementary students’ day. Fresh air, exercise and time spent outside afford students a break from the structure of the classroom. Most importantly, teachers agree students perform best at school when they have an opportunity for vigorous outdoor play, so we try to get them out whenever possible.
Therefore, 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: when temperatures fall below 25 degrees, including wind chill, children will be inside
• 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.
If you have any questions, please contact the HS/MS office at 637-1305, or the Elementary office at 637-1219. Thank you for your support in helping us keep your children safe, healthy and happy.