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kindraann (Anonymous) says…

I have two boys who attend elementary school in Craig. One is now in 5th grade and one is in 3rd grade. Both of them were born here and have attended school here since preschool. I absolutely do not feel that 10 degrees is too cold for them to be outside playing. Of course, I also make sure they have adequate cold weather attire so they are not cold. My boys wear snow boots, snow pants, heavy winter coats, gloves, and hats when it is winter here (which by the way encompasses 7 to 9 months of the year). The school does not let children play outside at warmer temperatures than 10 degrees if they do not have proper attire. If you ensure your children are properly equipped for cold temperatures with adequate clothing, there is no reason they cannot have fun outside when it is only 10 degrees outside. Plus, think of how miserable both the students and staff would be if we raised the minimum temperature to play outside to say 30 degrees; there are simply not that many days that it is 30 degrees or warmer in the winter. Our kids need fresh air and need to expend some energy to promote effective learning. It just so happens that it is cold in Craig, Colorado, which is something we must adapt to and teach our children to adapt to; the only other option is to move where it is warmer.

valleylocal (Anonymous) says…

Perfectly stated 'kindraann'! Hopefully, Maquilla Hood doesn't get a strong backing of support to her request. One thought just came to mind, if she doesn't want her children outside, i'm sure the school would allow them to 'sit' in the Principals office during lunch, recess, and P.E.

eieiolrighty (Anonymous) says…

I totally agree! Our kids need that time outside to get fresh air, run, get rid of that energy, the teachers need that time to themselves. I can't imagine being a child or a teacher here in the winter and not being able to go outside…WOW that would suck!! I feel like there are so many germs lingering inside the schools during the winter, let them get out and get fresh air….kill those germs. Our kids would never get to go out if the school district raised the temperature. If you want snow days or cold days move to Denver, I hear they have them all the time there. I for one don't want to have to make those days up at the end of the year.
My kids do chores in the cold, walk in the cold. It has never hurt them!

cag81625 (Anonymous) says…

If the sun's out and the wind isn't blowing, 10 degrees really pretty pleasant, especially if you're active. My kids, properly dressed, have a greater tolerance for cold than I do. My son is always bummed when Sunset puts the red flag up.

kindraann (Anonymous) says…

My boys always tell me ” We had to have inside recess because it was too cold today.” They are always totally bummed when they get stuck inside and then when they get home they are totally wound up because they haven't used any energy. When they get wound up like that I tell them to get their snow gear on and go outside to play. My boys go completely crazy when they are cooped up and frankly, so do I. I also agree with “eieiolrighty” about the germs. We certainly can't prevent exposure to germs, but keeping kids cooped up inside will certainly not minimize exposure. In response to “DavidMoore” you are not the only one who wears shorts until it goes below zero. I see lots of people who do.

nimrod (Anonymous) says…

I did grow up there, and at 21 below zero we were out ice skating and sleding. Kids are quite resilliant and 10 degrees in Craig is down right balmy.

wellwell (Anonymous) says…

Well, if teachers are aware of the problem of inadequte clothing for the weather I am confident that they do what they can as posted earlier. Again it is the parent or child's caretaker to be responsible for the the proper cold weather apparel.

If the person responsible for the child's care cannot afford apparel, please contact social services, Love INC, etc. Don't let the child suffer.

xrsareus (Anonymous) says…

Was born and raised here some 50 years ago. When we were kids our parents would have to force us to come inside summer and winter we didn't care how hot or cold it was. Remember skating at the park were the wave pool is now at way below -0 for hours and then walking home??? Kids these day's sit at the TV playing video games and never go out. They would not even think of walking anywhere. They are not accustom to extreme temps. We have a niece and nephew that when they come to visit it is like pulling teeth to get them to go outside even in the summer.

GreyStone (Anonymous) says…

xrsareus ,

I remember that skate rink in the park, walking from the West side of town over to the park in -30 deg. weather as the lower temperature made the ice on the rink much better.
We were outside skating for hours in -30deg temps, no one died or got sick… low temps do not cause one to get sick.

When is it too cold for children to play outside at school?

In my opinion -50 deg. can be a little challenging if one is not dressed properly… do not stick your wet hands in anything wet.