Can my child stay inside from recess when the weather is too cold? No, 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, “Jane has a diagnosis of an illness and therefore must stay inside if the weather is too cold.”
I am concerned about my child being outside when it is “too cold.” Is it okay for them? Yes, it is okay to go outside! 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 rhythm, which helps us feel awake during the day and 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: Indoor recess is called when it is raining and when the temperature is below 0*F.
Please remember to pack extra clothes for your student in case they get muddy on the playground!
EDW Attendance Line:
edw-attendance@isd623.org
651-259-1980
LuAnne Huseth, Health Assistant:
luanne.huseth@isd623.org
651-724-6334 (Health Office main line)
Britt Johnson, Licensed School Nurse:
britt.johnson@isd623.org
651-724-6316
