Indoor OR Outdoor Recess?

Post date: Oct 30, 2017 4:20:34 PM

Indoor/Outdoor Recess?

October 30, 2017

With the cold weather and pending snow forecast always comes the question from parents as to how it is determined whether or not it will be an indoor recess as opposed to outdoor recess. So, I wanted to take a minute to remind everyone of Kootenai’s policy and procedures when determining whether it will be an indoor or outdoor recess. First of all, I would like to say that we don’t ever make the decision lightly. Also, keep in mind that we are making a decision based on what is best for the majority of the 400+ students at Kootenai Elementary. Lastly, we make the determination based on the assumption that parents ensure that their children come with adequate winter attire – coat (not a hoodie!) and warm shoes/boots for sure; and then preferably gloves, hats, earmuffs, etc.

Lake Pend Oreille School District has no policy that involves temperature and leaves that determination up to the local schools to make that determination.

At Kootenai, outdoor play is permitted regardless of temperature, when weather conditions are appropriate.Students will remain indoors when the temperature, with the wind chill, falls below 0 degrees Fahrenheit . Please be sure your child is dressed for the appropriate weather.

Now, after having considered these guidelines and procedures, one must remember that they are determined with all the students in mind. If you have a student with a specific need or reason that you feel he/she needs to stay inside today, whether it be that you fear she/he may be coming down with something or is recovering from a recent illness, you may send a note with your child requesting him/her to be kept inside for today’s recesses.

Parents~ please be sure to send your children with adequate cold weather/winter attire and we will do our best to ensure that students are safe during recess. If you have any questions that weren’t answered here, please feel free to call or email.

Thank You!