Winter Recess Guidelines

We believe outdoor recess is an important and valuable part of our students' day in every season. Fresh air, exercise and time spent outside afford students a break from the structure of the classroom. 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. However, because there are times when it is not safe for children to be outdoors, we will be following the guidelines listed below to determine whether we will have inside or outside recess.

Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately (jackets, gloves, and hats) for the cold weather and prepared to play outdoors. Every child will need to wear a coat in order to go outside for recess.

Winter Recess Guidelines

We have established the following guidelines for outdoor recess during the winter months, determining the safety of allowing children to participate in outdoor recess:

• Below 20 degrees- Indoor recess 
• Below 25 degrees- Shortened recess (5 to 10 minutes) 
• Below 32 degrees- Gloves and hats to go outside 
• Below 50 degrees- Coat and long pants are recommended 
• Below 60 degrees- Jackets or long sleeves suggested