When is it too cold for recess?

SALT LAKE CITY — As weather conditions fluctuate between snow, hail, frost, heavy rain, heat waves and Utah's famous inversion, when is it appropriate to keep children inside for recess?

The U.S. Department of Education says there is no national temperature standard for keeping kids indoors during inclement weather. Instead it's up to each state to determine what's appropriate for students.

In Utah, school districts follow state health guidelines for poor air quality and inclement weather. 

"Our goal is to provide for a safe and fun environment for the children during their recess," said Jordan School District spokesman Steve Dunham. "And if we can't do that outside on the playground, in the play area, then we'll keep them inside."

As a general rule, the principal in each school has the responsibility to determine when it's too cold, too hot or the air outside is harmful to kids. However in school districts with varying climate conditions, like Weber, there is no standard recess policy that covers the entire district. 

"It really boils down to looking at good judgment in regards to the health of a child," said McKell Withers of the Weber School District. "A school that's located closer to a canyon with strong winds and wind chill factor, we make sure not to have children go out for recess."

Withers also says that teachers use the Department of Environmental Quality website as a guideline to assess whether it's appropriate for students to play outside.

School districts also ask that parents make sure to send children to school with weather appropriate clothing. But once they get to school, it's ultimately up to teachers and principals to help keep children from harmful weather conditions.