Can my child stay inside from recess when the weather is cold? A doctor’s note is needed to be exempt from going outside and the doctor’s note needs to specify a temperature threshold at which your student must stay indoors. For example, “Student has a diagnosis of ____ and therefore must stay inside if the weather is below __*F.”
I am concerned about my child being outside when it is 'too cold'. Is it okay for them? Each day our recess supervisor assesses the weather and makes a determination for all students and staff that it is safe to go outside. It is good for everyone to continue to go outside throughout the winter. Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise are important for many reasons including benefits to mental and physical health. Exercise can improve memory, and recess offers an important movement break for students to move their bodies to be better able to focus through the afternoon. With shorter days in winter, exposure to midday sunshine is especially important in Minnesota. Sunshine helps set our circadian rhythms which helps us feel awake during the day and then sleepy at bedtime. Natural daylight can also improve your mood and help with symptoms of depression. Finally recess is an important social time for students! We do everything we can to provide a safe and fun recess time for all students.
Recess Protocols: Each day our recess supervisor assesses the weather and makes a daily determination prior to the first recess that the weather is safe for all students. Indoor recess is called when it is raining and when the temperature is below 0*F.
Elle Watson, Licensed School Nurse
elle.watson@isd623.org
651-724-6285
Health Office main line: 651-724-6284
Jodi Riechert, Health Assistant
jodi.riechert@isd623.org
Lindsay Calzadillas, Health Assistant
lindsay.calzadillas@isd623.org
Attendance line:
edg-attendance@isd623.org
call: 651-724-6296
text: 612-699-3350
