Dec 3, 2025
With the arrival of snowy and cold weather, Central Decatur is reinforcing its winter recess policy to ensure all students can enjoy their time outdoors while remaining safe and warm. Your cooperation in preparing your child for outdoor play is greatly appreciated.
General Outdoor Recess Guidelines
All students will be taken outside for recess when the air temperature and wind chill are above 0°F. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for cold temperatures, including a warm coat, hat, and mittens/gloves daily.
Required Gear for Snow Play
Specific gear is required for students to access various parts of the playground during snowy conditions. These rules are in place to keep students dry and comfortable throughout the school day.
| Grade Level | Area of Play | Required Gear |
| PK-2 | Woodchip Area | Snowboots |
| PK-2 | Grassy Area & Sledding | Snow Boots AND Snow Pants |
| 3-6 | Cleared Cement | No Special Gear Required |
| 3-6 | Snow/Grassy Areas | Snow Boots (or an extra pair of shoes to wear in the snow) |
Gear Identification: Please Label Your Child’s Items
We find that snow pants and snow boots often look identical, leading to confusion and lost items. To ensure your child’s gear is returned to them every time, please take a moment to write your child’s name clearly inside all winter outerwear (boots, snow pants, hats, mittens).
We look forward to a fun and healthy winter recess season!