With such headlines as, Seattle Gets A Year’s Worth of Rain In Just 5.5 Months…Again (komonews.com), we have had to really push the envelope on the definition of Rainy Day Recess. Recesses are a time for teachers to plan and for students to get their wiggles out. If we weren’t pushing the envelope this winter, then students wouldn’t be getting out much and teacher planning would be affected. I am a born and raised Seattleite and all about the outdoors. The key to growing up in the northwest is the expression, “There’s no bad weather, just bad clothing,” and this is no truer than this Winter.
Judging whether it should be rainy-day-recess or not is not so black and white. We have to call it the moment we look outside and sometimes it’s an easy call but other times…not so much. It really is a judgement call that we try to balance in the best interest of school staff and students.
As for snowy or icy day recess, if it feels unsafe we’re going to call it. This includes being too slippery.
My suggestions:
- Remind your children to come prepared for the weather of the day.
- Perhaps have them bring a change of clothes, socks, or shoes to store in their locker (I saw a girl changing from rain boots into sneakers yesterday and commented on how brilliant that was).
- Get your kids outside to play, dance, and sing as often as possible.
In addition, should you arrive prior to the bell, send your children out to the playground to play. Having children and/or parents hovering in the building prior to the bell ringing can be disruptive for staff who are preparing for the day.
Thank you,
Ed Roos
Assistant Principal