Each morning, elementary school principals take a short walk outside. They act as school meteorologist, and the decision that kids are waiting to hear falls in their hands. Recess: inside, or outside?

This may not be an issue in the sunbelt. But in the Midwest, Northeast and parts of the West, it's a safety-in-school reality, just like snow days.

In the Anchor Bay School District, about 30 miles north of Detroit, elementary school children only venture out at recess if the thermometer reads above 15 degrees. A note from mom or dad will keep the child indoors, but recess isn't as fun or focused on kid fitness as it should be.

Further north, in the Grand Rapids Public School District in Michigan, teachers agree that daily adolescent activities need to include playtime. But going outside doesn't always work out.

"Our principals err on the side of caution, and that means teachers have gotten good at throwing together indoor activities," said spokeswoman Susan Kriegar. "We've never had a complaint."

Finally, the ski bums of the far north have taught their children to cope with the cold. Public school policy is that students stay indoors at recess only if the wind-chill factor falls below zero degrees.

"They're pretty well prepared for the cold," said Ruth Goldsmith, principal at Petoskey's Ottawa Elementary in Michigan. "We have coats and mittens here if they need them, but kids around here are used to the cold, and so are their parents."

Before the snow falls, make sure you know the cold-weather policies at your child's school. Ask:

  • Will kids go out when it's 25 degrees? Fifteen degrees? Zero degrees? 
  • How about clothing? Are children required to go out, even if they "forget" their gloves? Warn your older kids that it may not be cool to wear a hat, but you'll have little sympathy when they come home with sore ears. 
  • Finally, ask about what happens to children who can't afford cold-weather gear. Network with other parents to collect a bank of new mittens, hats and scarves for those who need them. 



Lisa Hayes is a former EduGuide writer.