Are these people for real? I've the feeling there's something else going on here. Why else would they make children endure these weather extremes, and place themselves in danger of litigation? Does Kansas have some sort of bizarre law on the books they feel compelled to follow to the last letter of the law?

I'm in northern New Jersey, and to be honest, I don't think they have one, but I intend on finding out! From what I can tell, it's left to the lunch mother's discretion. I do know that if the weather station issues a heat index warning (especially for ozone/pollution levels around here on hot, humid days), the kids don't go out. I'm wondering if that sadistic board would be so interested in the kids going out if: a) they were going out with them or b) they ended up with a lawsuit from one of the parents for endangering the welfare of a child if (God forbid) one of the kids got frostbite/ hypothermia or suffered irreversible brain damage from heat stroke. Another thought is a child with an immune disorder, or severe allergies/asthma. As ugly as it is, Jeresey is a litigous state, and I could defintiely see a parent calling the police in a situation like this, or a lunch aide suing for some sort of OSHA standard that's not being followed! For them to offer any kind of glib remark like, "the parents should dress them warmer" would be insensitive, and ignorant. Parents aren't always capable of clothing their children as well as they should, and sometimes, unfortunately, they just don't care.

Like I said, I'm calling our BOE tomorrow, and I'll let you know what their response is.

Our policy is the same as Hoosiermom's we are in Ohio and they don't send the children out if it is below 32degrees. I'm not sure what they do if it is extremely hot out, I'm interested in finding out now. Maybe what you could try is to get a doctor, nurse,or EMT to give you the cold hard facts (pun intended) on the effects of extreme cold and windchills on exposed skin and other body parts (ear infections, etc.). They might even be motivated to help you even further if you find one with a child in your school. Starting a petition might be a good idea also.

Thank you so much for the replies. I would love to take this to the Principal and the School Board. We start school around the 13-15th of August and it is very hot and can be until the end of September. Like the heat index gets up to 110 some days. I feel sorry for the overweight kids on those days. And some of the kindergarteners may only weigh 35 pounds and when it is cold they do not have enough body fat to help keep them warm in the winter. I am surpprised how many parents send kids to school without warm coats and gloves too.
I would love to have tons of replies on here to show them how other schools across the country deal with recess on bad weather days. Most people jsut will not take the time or are too chicken to speak up and change things.
I am also wondering if I could get the entire state guidlines for this changed. The schools differ so much around here. I have heard of some making kids go out even if it is below 15 degrees.
Any ideas out there?? Keep em coming!!

I live in Upstate New York and our winters can be very cold. I know the school does not let the kids out for recess if the temperature or wind chill is under 20 to 25 degrees. The kids will play board games in the lunch room. I don't think our school has a policy for when the weather is too hot.

Yipes! Those poor kids must be freezing. We're in Southern Indiana, and our school policy is indoor recess unless it's 32F or above. And some days with the wind, that can still be cold.
I'm not aware of a policy for hot days, but I agree and have often thought that some days in August are just too hot to run and play.
Hope you're able to get the policy changed.

I have a question that I would love some input on. We live in Kansas and the weather can be very cold here and very hot. I am challenging the School Board and trying to get the guidlines changed that the children have to go out to recess in. They have to go out if it is 15 wind chill or above. I also work at the school part time and I have to go out for three recesses that are 20 minutes each. I can and do wear warm clothes. Long johns, warm hat, very thick gloves and a ankle length thick coat. I have been out there when it is below 20 and I get very cold. I have seen the kids crying that they are cold and thier hands, ears, toes hurt because it is so cold. Believe me it was awful this past winter and the kids hate it. I feel so bad for them. They would rather stay in the class and play games than go out and freeze. I feel sorry especially for the little ones. And many are not wearing thick coats at all. I would like other opinions on this problem. I think 15 is too cold and I would like to have a polocy put in place for very hot weather too. I don't think the kids should have to go out when the heat index is over 95 or 100. They are just to miserable to play.
My kids are not the only ones I worry about and there is something wrong when a kindergartner does not want to go to school because of recess. I am wondering what other schools do that are farther North and it is very cold. Do the kids go out anyway? Do they get time to go put on more clothes. I am working on a petition to get this policy changed but I need more ideas fast before the handbook is printed for next year. Please help!!! Thanks!!