Our Philosophy
We believe recess should be a time in the day for kids to be kids, solve problems, be creative, and self-monitor. Recess is an opportunity for kids to exercise, play, and interact with other children. Conflicts will arise, and recess is the perfect time for our students to experience the normal, developmental issues that come up when children play. We encourage kids to find a solution, to listen to each other and to work together.
Policies and Procedures
Attendance: We count on you! Please work to find coverage if you are unable to make it.
Volunteer/ Visitor Sign-in: Yard Duty Volunteers MUST sign in at the office and wear a Visitor Name Tag before reporting to duty on the yard.
Check in on the yard: Let the Yard Duty Supervisor know that you are volunteering on the yard.
Important reminders
Please
spread out! Focus on the children (resist the urge to chat with others).
o SAFETY: Use your best judgment on the
yard. Our most important job is to keep kids safe. If you see students who are
not moving or playing in a safe manner, do not hesitate. Our goal is to be
proactive!
o Snack/Lunch: children should remain
seated when eating (during lunch 15-20 minutes is designed for eating without
play). Help open containers, etc. Encourage students to eat and clean
up/recycle when finished!
§ Be aware that we do have an allergy table.
o Equipment: sometimes the Yard Duty
Supervisor will need help getting the equipment out of storage.
o Watch
for UNSAFE play on structure.
o Conflicts will arise between students.
Please help the children, as necessary, work out their conflicts. INVOLVE THE
YARD DUTY SUPERVISOR when necessary. It is not your job to discipline the
students.
o Watch for wandering children. Students should remain on the yard until the bell. There should be no playing in the halls or by the bathrooms.
Playground Injuries: When a child is badly hurt, have the Yard Duty Supervisor let the office know and, if possible, have an adult walk them to the office. For smaller injuries, have students buddy-up and walk to the office.
o If you
witnessed a substantial injury on the playground you will be asked to fill out
an observation report.
· Addressing Behavior/Safety Issues on the
Playground:
o Remind
student of the rule/safety issue, and give a warning. Check for understanding.
o If
behavior continues, have the student sit (without playing or peers) in a safe
spot for 2-5 minutes. When time-out is over, review rule/safety issue, and
check for understanding.
§ After this, check in with the Yard Duty Supervisor for guidance.