Recess

Recess should be limited to a thirty-minute period prior to lunch, and should include a restroom break.  Rewards for extra recess time must have prior approval from an administrator.

Teachers should review how MAVS Live Kind on the playground prior to recess on the first day. Teachers should also review how to use the equipment and GaGa pit prior to using them. 

Students can mix and play on any recess equipment. There is no longer a need to have stations or to keep students in cohorts during recess.

There must be at least one teacher supervising every 2 classes. In order to effectively monitor the playground for safety, the teachers on duty should  spread out to walk around the playground.

 The team leader should bring their grade level walkie talkie to recess & lunch. Communication from the front office will be through channel 1.  Behavior emergencies should be communicated through channel 2. 

If a child sustains a minor injury on the playground, call the nurse on the radio using channel 1.  If no response, send an uninjured child with a buddy to the office to report the injury.  In the event of a head injury or an open, free bleeding wound, an adult should escort the injured child.  Always try to contact the nurse first. The nurse will prompt you on how to handle the injury.

 In the case of an emergency, do not leave the rest of your class unsupervised, but send a runner to the office to get help.

Inclement Weather - Check the recess weather guidelines through the recess QR code. 

Weather Alert Days - Outdoor recess may be limited or canceled when heat alerts, heat advisories, ozone alerts, or smog alerts are issued for the city of McKinney.   The website to check for weather alerts  is located on the McGowen Dashboard.