The Parkside PAWS program is an exciting way we celebrate our students for being safe, respectful, and responsible. Staff members across the school are on the lookout to give individual students and entire classes a "PAWS" when they're doing a great job—whether it's in the classroom, hallway, or on the playground. These are a tangible way to recognize and encourage the positive behaviors we see every day, and students can even earn a prize when they fill up their PAWS card.

Additionally, Parkside has implemented programs that focus on peerpressure, mental health, and creating positive relationships. Go here to learn more about those.

To ensure the safety and well-being of our students, we have clear guidelines for when we hold indoor recess. The decision is based on a few key factors:

• Temperature: If the temperature is 20°F or higher, students will have regular outdoor recess. If it's between 15°F and 20°F, we will have a shortened 8-minute recess outside, weather permitting. If the temperature drops to 15°F or below, it will be an indoor recess day.

• Other Weather Conditions: We also take into account things like precipitation, wind, and air quality. We use an Air Quality Index to determine if it's safe for students to be outside.

• Communication: We will let our teachers know if it's an indoor recess day through an email sent from the front office before morning and lunch recess.

What happens during indoor recess?

• Morning: Students will go to the multipurpose room. Teachers will pick them up at 9:00 AM.

• Lunch Recess: Our teachers will plan fun activities for the students. If a movie is shown, it will be an educational one. Students will be escorted to lunch at their regular time by an aide.

Thank you for your support in helping us keep our students safe and warm!

Safety to and from school is a top priority for our students and community. We want to ensure that every child arrives at school ready to learn and returns home without incident.

To assist families, we have provided this document outlining safe walking routes, to include important information about crossing guards and other safety measures. This guide identifies the safest general routes and provides information on when and where crossing guards are available to help students cross streets safely.

Please review these materials with your child and walk the route with them to ensure they are familiar with it.