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Recess & Weather Info

  • Recess 

    Saint Paul Public Schools uses the National Weather Service (NWS) wind chill chart to determine whether recess will be held outside. Wind chill is the temperature it feels like on your skin when the wind is blowing. The stronger the wind, the colder it feels.

    Schools will keep students inside if the wind chill is expected to be colder than -10 degrees below zero. Regardless of the wind chill, students who do not have the appropriate winter clothing will not be able to participate in outdoor recess.

    As you can see in the chart below, if the temperature is 10 degrees above zero with winds of 15 miles per hour, the wind chill would be -7 degrees. This would allow recess to continue outside safely. However, if the temperature is 0 degrees with a 5 mph wind, the wind chill would be -11 degrees, requiring recess to be held indoors. 

    Wind Chill Chart

  • Clothing Guidelines

    Families are encouraged to monitor their children’s clothing selections to make sure they are appropriately dressed for cold weather. Students who do not have the appropriate winter clothing will not be able to participate in outdoor recess.

    “Feels Like” Temperature

    Clothing to Wear

    Under 15 degrees

    Dress in layers

    • Long-sleeved shirt

    • Sweatshirt or sweater

    • Heavy winter coat

    • Wool or thick socks

    • Gloves

    • Winter headwear and/or ear muffs

    • Snow boots

    15-30 degrees

    • Long-sleeved shirt

    • Sweatshirt or sweater

    • Heavy winter coat

    • Wool or thick socks

    • Gloves

    • Winter headwear and/or ear muffs

    • Snow boots

    30-40 degrees

    • Long-sleeved shirt

    • Winter coat or heavy jacket

    • Thick socks

    • Gloves

    • Winter headwear and/or ear muffs

    • Closed shoes or boots

    41-65 degrees

    • Jacket

    • Closed shoes

    Above 65 degrees

    • Parent's choice

  • Wind Chill Chart

    Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) uses the National Weather Service (NWS) wind chill chart to determine whether to hold an e-learning day or make adjustments to outdoor recess. Wind chill is the temperature it feels like on your skin when the wind is blowing. The stronger the wind, the colder it feels. SPPS may move to an e-learning day if the wind chill is expected to be -35 degrees Fahrenheit at 6 a.m. the following morning.

    As you can see in the chart below, if the temperature is negative 5 degrees with winds of 40 miles per hour, the wind chill would be -36 degrees which could result in an e-learning day.