School Newsletter: Recess Policy Update for Elementary Families

Recess policy updates are easy to undercommunicate. They feel minor compared to academic news, so they end up as a paragraph at the end of a monthly newsletter rather than a standalone communication. But families who discover a new recess rule when their child comes home upset about not being allowed to play their favorite game did not receive sufficient communication. A clear, brief recess policy newsletter prevents that situation.

This template covers the core sections of a recess policy update for elementary families.

State what is changing in plain terms

Name the specific change at the top of the newsletter. "Beginning [date], the following updates to our recess policy will take effect." Then list the changes in plain language. If three things are changing (a new weather threshold, a new rule about climbing equipment, and a new supervision arrangement), state all three clearly in the opening section. Families who receive one clear list at the top of the newsletter know what to discuss with their child without reading through background context first.

Explain the reason for each change

Each policy change should have a reason attached. "The climbing structure in the lower playground will no longer be available during recess while we await the results of a safety inspection. We expect the inspection to be completed by [date] and will communicate the outcome to families." or "We are adding a second recess supervisor to the upper playground during the lunch period following a review of supervision ratios that indicated the existing coverage was insufficient for our current enrollment." Brief, specific reasons reduce questions and build trust.

State the weather and air quality thresholds explicitly

A template for the weather section: "Our recess weather policy is as follows: Outdoor recess will be cancelled when the temperature or wind chill is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Outdoor recess will also be cancelled when the heat index exceeds 90 degrees Fahrenheit or when the air quality index is at the Orange level or higher. On indoor recess days, students will be supervised in their classroom or in the gymnasium depending on the day. We announce indoor recess before 7:00 AM on the school website and app. We do not make same-day phone calls for weather-related indoor recess."

Tell families what students have already been told

If you have already reviewed the new policies with students in class, tell families that. "Students were informed of these policy changes in their classrooms on [date]. Teachers reviewed the new rules and answered student questions. Students who would like a copy of the approved game list for the playground can pick one up from their teacher." Families who know their child has already heard the information can follow up at home with specific questions rather than hearing about it for the first time from a confused nine-year-old.

Cover clothing and footwear guidance

If the policy update has implications for what students should wear, name them. "Students who go to outdoor recess should wear weather-appropriate clothing. We do not call students in from recess if they are cold. Students who arrive without a coat on days when the temperature is below [threshold] will be asked to wear one from our school lending closet. Open-toed shoes and flip flops are not permitted on the playground due to the risk of injury on the climbing and play structures." Families who know these rules in advance can prepare their child's clothing appropriately rather than dealing with a situation after the fact.

Close with how to ask questions

End with a brief invitation for families with specific questions about recess. "If you have questions about the recess policy changes or your child's experience during the transition, please contact your child's teacher or the main office at [number]. We will review the new policies again at the start of each season and communicate any adjustments in advance."