Extreme heat 

Time spent outside is an important part of the school day. Children should be exposed to fresh air and exercise. Time spent outside allows students to engage in activities that allow them to relax from the structure of the classroom. However, there are times when it is not safe for students to be outside. 

Please utilize the following guidelines for school recess, outdoor activities or physical education classes.

Heat Index 

Know your location's "HeatRisk" level to determine who is at risk and what actions to take. 

• Find your HeatRisk level here: National Weather Service (NWS) HeatRisk forecast. 

The NWS HeatRisk tool provides a seven-day forecast of the potential level of heat risk for a specific location.

Conditions that are to be considered:

• Temperature
• Humidity
• Age of students
• Length of time outside
• The availability of shade
• Access to water to stay hydrated

Recess and Physical Activity/Physical Education (PE) Class Guidelines:  

• Temperature considerations and suggestions based on the Heat Index:
  • Green Heat Index - Unlimited outdoor activity
  • Yellow Heat Index - Modified outdoor recess and PE activities.  
  • Orange Heat Index - Limited outdoor recess and PE activities. 
  • Red Heat Index  - No Outdoor Activity.  Recess and PE activities should be held indoors in a controlled temperature and environment.
• With all warm days, teachers and aides should be encouraged to remind students to reduce running/exertion activities and allow any student who complains of overheating to go to the office for rest and observation. With direct sun, certain areas of a school site may increase heat exposure, such as blacktop or concrete areas. Caution should be taken to observe all students for signs of overexposure.
• Students who are abnormally affected by high temperatures and humidity should be given special consideration. These students are identified by parents, health providers, teachers and outdoor activity staff.
• Students should be reminded to take frequent water breaks and school staff should  monitor students for signs of heat exhaustion or overheating.

Athletics Program Guidelines 

Coaches at all levels are responsible for the safety and well-being of all players and spectators.  Heat related illness is the most preventable form of sports related injuries/fatalities. These guidelines are aligned to the Idaho High School Activities Association guidelines and differ slightly from our normal school day protocols due to the fact that our athlete's activities are closely monitored by coaches. Site Athletic Departments will monitor and report Heat Index (combination of temperature and humidity) as follows:

• Green - Unlimited activity
• Yellow - Modified activity including ample water, breaks every 30 minutes, and equipment removed when not in use such as helmets.
• Orange - Limited activity, breaks every 20 minutes, alter uniforms/equipment, monitor athletes closely.
• Red - No Outdoor Activity.

The Athletics Program Guidelines include a commitment to athletes staying properly hydrated with the availability of water at all times.