Playground Expectations

Student safety is our top priority during all outdoor play and recess times. All students are expected to behave in a way that keeps themselves and others safe. Any behavior that, in the judgment of a playground supervisor, poses a safety risk will be addressed immediately and may result in disciplinary action if needed.

General Playground Guidelines

Recess Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Students must remain in view of an adult supervisor at all times.

• Items from home (including toys, sports equipment, etc.) are not permitted on the playground.

• Tackle football is not allowed.

• Please stay off railings—do not sit, stand, or walk on them.

• Climbing or playing in trees is not permitted.

• When the bell rings, students should line up quietly and walk calmly to class.

• The breezeway and ramp are not play areas; please avoid playing or bouncing balls in these spaces out of respect for nearby classrooms.

• Play fighting, war games, or any games involving violence are not allowed.

• Frisbees and footballs should not be used inside the play shed.

• Spitting is not acceptable.

Playground Equipment Guidelines

Swings

• One student per swing at a time.

• Sit safely on the swing—no standing or twisting.

• Push swings from the back only; “underdogs” are not allowed.

• No jumping off swings or swinging side-to-side.

Rings & Monkey Bars

• Rings: Use feet-down only, one at a time, in the same direction.

• Monkey bars: One student at a time, moving in the same direction.

Slides

• Always slide down in a sitting position—no walking up the slide.

• Do not hang from the sides of the slide.

• Only one student on the slide at a time.

• Please move away from the bottom of the slide after reaching the ground.

Buddy Bench

The Buddy Bench is a calm space where students are welcome to bring paper, books, crayons, or markers during recess. For safety reasons, pencils and colored pencils should stay inside—they can accidentally cause injuries.

Referral to Support Space

The following behaviors may result in a referral to our Support Space for follow-up:

• Physical fighting

• Throwing rocks, sand, dirt, or other potentially harmful items

• Refusing to follow directions from staff or playground supervisors

• Ongoing minor rule violations after redirection