Weather Guidelines

In accordance with our commitment to student safety, and recognizing the impact extreme temperature can have on student health and wellness, USD 232 has established the following guidelines for outdoor recess/activities:

Recess/Playground Rules:

It is understood that students may need to miss recess on occasion in order to complete classroom assignments when sufficient time was given but wasted by the student or as a consequence of student behavior. Playground rules will be reviewed with students and revised when necessary by those who supervise the playground. The acceptable rules will be taught to the students at the beginning of the school year and as needed so that expectations are clear. Whenever possible, students will go out for recess. There will be times, however, when the weather prevents that from occurring.  

When It's Warm...

Full recess (and other outdoor activities) permitted when heat index temperature is at (or below) 96 degrees and when water is available for students on the playground or a process is in place by which students (upon request) may enter the building for water breaks.  Fresh air breaks, of no more than 10 minutes, are permissible (according to individual teacher discretion and administrative consultation) when the heat index temperature is between 97 and 99 degrees and when water is available for students on the playground or a process is in place by which students (upon request) may enter the building for water breaks.

When It's Cold...

Students continue to go outside for recess when the weather is above 25 degrees.  Full recess (and other outdoor activities) permitted when wind chill temperature is at (or above) 25 degrees and participating students are considered to be appropriately dressed. (jacket/coat, gloves, hat, close-toed shoes, pants instead of shorts, etc.)   When temperatures are below 25 degrees, students will have indoor recess.

Fresh air breaks, of no more than 10 minutes, are permissible (according to individual teacher discretion and administrative consultation) when wind chill temperature is between 20 and 24 degrees and participating students are considered to be appropriately dressed.  

When It Storms...

Students will not participate in outdoor recess if thunder and lightning are in the area.  If it is thundering and lightning at Dismissal, parents will be immediately contacted via school text and a Skyward email.  Students will not be allowed to walk or ride a bike home without an adult present and alternative pick-up arrangements will need to be made by parents.

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