Extreme Heat and Cold

The opportunity for fresh air and outdoor play or exercise is an important part of a child’s school day.  Students benefit from outdoor activity and the opportunity to break free from the structure of the classroom. While opportunities for outdoor activity are strongly encouraged for all students, there may be times when it is necessary to modify or suspend outdoor activity due to weather conditions. The following guidelines are for the health and safety of our students.   

HOT WEATHER GUIDELINES

On school days when there is excessive hot weather, the following procedure should be used for determining whether students can participate in outdoor activities, including but not limited to recess, physical education, athletics and outdoor field trips.  

• The heat index should be factored in when determining whether outdoor activities are appropriate. As the heat index increases so do health risks.  
• Students should not have outdoor recess or physical education classes when the temperature or heat index is greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Students will have access to water before, during and after the outside activity. 

• Any request from a parent that their child be excluded from outdoor activity due to extreme weather conditions, poor air quality or high pollen counts will be honored. 

• Heat Guidelines - Classroom/PE/Recess/Athletics

Additional Hot Weather guidance for Athletics and Activities can be found through the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) Sports Medicine Advisory Handbook, here.

COLD WEATHER GUIDELINES On school days when there is excessive cold weather, the following procedure should be used for determining whether students can participate in outdoor activities, including but not limited to recess, physical education and outdoor field trips.  

• The wind chill factor should be taken into account in determining whether outdoor activities are appropriate.
• The recommended temperature to allow students to be outside for recess, physical education, or outdoor field trips is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or above, including the wind chill factor.  
• If school staff determine a student does not have sufficient warm clothing for outdoor activities, the student should be excused from the activity.
• Any request from a parent that their child be excluded from outdoor activity due to weather conditions will be honored.  
• Current local temperatures can be obtained through the National Weather Service local forecast, here.
• Wind Chill can be calculated, here.

Additional Cold Weather guidance for Athletics and Activities can be found through the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) Sports Medicine Advisory Handbook, here.