Temperature Rule:
Students should come into the gym in the morning @ 7:55 AM and are kept inside from recess when the wind chill (Feels like) temperature is 24° or below. Red flags will be on display by the Northeast and Southeast doors to indicate it is a mandatory inside morning. We use www.wunderground.com Station to monitor temperate and wind chill: KUTWESTV13
Optional Inside Morning
Students may also choose to come inside in the morning beginning at 7:55 a.m. if the temperature is between 25° and 32°. Students should enter through the front door of the building and sit in gym the bell rings. Yellow flags will be on display by the Northeast and Southeast doors when it is an optional morning. Students will be dismissed from the gym one grade at a time and asked to quietly walk to class.
Air Quality Rule
AUI above 150 (PM2.5 above 55): all students are kept inside. AQI above 100 (PM2.5 above 35): students with asthma/chronic lung issues are kept inside. We use www.air.utah.gov
Be Prepared
The average temperate in Salt Lake County during the winter months is 40 degrees. Creating and engaging in winter play activities, even in the cold months, is fun for students and actually promotes better health by increasing exercise through the use of different muscles, getting fresh air and avoiding bacteria, and essential vitamin D exposure, just to name a few.
For your child to have a great time in the cold weather, the most important thing to consider is appropriate clothing. On the next page are some tips to make gearing up easier for you and your children. Please contact the school is you need help providing your student with warm clothing. Our social working and the Granite Education Foundation will be happy to assist!
Layers
Layers are really important for outdoor winter play. If you dress your child in layers, their body heat stays close to them and they are able to play for long periods of time. Also, layers are easy to add or take off as needed, depending on the weather that day. To appropriately dress your child in layers, you will need: a base layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer.
A base layer such as a long polyester shirt wicks moisture away from the skin and keeps your child dry and warm for long periods of time. You want this layer to be snug to the body so that any moisture will be wicked away. The middle layer should be made of down or fleece material, as the purpose of this layer is to insulate the body. You want the middle layer to be close to the body, but make sure that it does not restrain movement. The outer layer should consist of a waterproof winter coat, as this layer protects your child from winter weather elements such as wind, rain, and snow. You want this layer to be loose enough to have at least two other layers under it.
Mittens
Mittens are better for keeping children’s hands warm, as fingers generate more heat when they are not separated from each other as in gloves. Gloves are also important to include in your child’s dry pack because gloves allow better dexterity than mittens. Choose mittens that are waterproof and insulated with either down or a synthetic down.
Headgear
It’s important to choose a hat that covers the whole head, including the ears. Children often do not enjoy wearing hats, so you may want to consider getting one that is childproof, such as one that has long strings to tie around the neck or tuck into a coat. Hats are also one of those items that can be very personalized and fun, so involve your child in the process of choosing their gear to ensure comfort and likeability.
Snow Pants
You want snowpants that your child can move in, is warm, and, most importantly, is waterproof. Suspenders built into the snowpants will ensure that the pants stay secure and do not fall down during play. Some snowpants also have drawstrings at the bottom to tighten around boots.
Boots
A good children’s boot is one that is both warm and stays on during active winter play. You want a boot that is waterproof, is insulated with down or synthetic down, and has drawstrings at the top to ensure a close fit to the legs. This will prevent any water or snow from soaking in. Some boots also have velco fasterners over the top of the foot that you can tighten for extra protection. Don’t forget to choose a good pair of warm (non-cotton) socks for your child’s feet. Wool and down are great choices.
