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Weather-Related Recess Guidelines

Fresh air and exercise are important parts of the school day. Time spent outdoors gives students the opportunity to engage in activities that allow them to relax from the structure of the classroom. There are times, however, when it is not safe for students to be outside, such as extreme cold or heat and heavy rain. 
 
The district’s protocol on participation in outdoor recess maintains that if a child is well enough to come to school, they are well enough to participate in outdoor recess. Accommodations regarding a child’s physical safety on the playground due to a chronic or short-term disability may be reflected in a short-term accommodation plan. 

Cold Weather Guidelines for Recess and Outdoor Physical Activity 

When temperatures fall below 22 degrees including the wind chill, students are kept indoors (“feels like” temperature based on WPS WeatherBug for zip code 02093). Parents may be called to bring in appropriate attire or supply replacement clothing when necessary. The schools do not keep a supply of clothing for children. 

Heat Advisory Guidelines for Recess and Outdoor Physical Activity 

When the temperature index (“feels like” temperature based on WPS WeatherBug for zip code 02093) reaches 95 degrees or above, the principals will reconsider outside recess and provide for safe indoor activity. Any student who shows signs of overheating will have a water break during the recess period. 
 
Teachers are aware of medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, allergies, etc. which may put individual students at a higher risk of heat illness. There is no reason to limit a student’s participation unless a known risk is obvious, if an accommodation is specified in a 504 plan or if the parent has advised the school that their child should not participate. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure their children come to school dressed appropriately for the weather, including sunscreen.