Playground Rules and Expectations

Games that involve physical contact are not allowed.

Exceptions for games involving appropriate physical contact are: Tag Games Use the two finger tag method Touch Football Use light force with 1 or 2 hands in order to touch safely and respectfully. If the physical contact becomes rough, inappropriate, or out of control, touch football will no longer be allowed. If touch football privileges are lost, your choices will be either to play flag football or to play no football.

Use all equipment and furniture properly.

Do not play with playground balls or other equipment in the gazebo.

Only sit on the benches’ seats. They were made to support your weight.

Keep your feet on the ground so that the benches’ seats stay clean.

Respect the furniture by not defacing. it Respect the furniture by not defacing* it. Keep benches clear for people to sit. *Ex: carving in wood, scraping paint, writing on surfaces, etc.

The rope is made to support the weight of the ball only The rope is made to support the weight of the ball only. Do not pull backwards or push down on the ball. This equipment is for tetherball only. If the ball or rope becomes detached, alert the duty teacher. For safety, never climb the pole or tilt it towards the ground.

Only the soccer BALL is allowed to touch the soccer nets and posts. You may stand with your shoulder against the post for corner kicks only. Do not stick things through the net. If the ball is on the top of the net, make a fist, jump, and punch the bottom of it. The one goalie for each team plays in front of the goal.

Only the basketBALL is allowed to touch the basketball goals and nets. If the ball sticks in the net, throw another ball at the outside of the net until it falls. Drop immediately from the rim after dunking the ball.

The sit up bench is for exercising only The sit up bench is for exercising only. Keep it clean & clear for people to use.

Use equipment either as a step up bench for exercising or as a beam for balancing.

Pull up bars are for exercising only; improve your upper body strength! Try doing straight arm hang, flexed arm hang, or pull ups. Only use a bar you can grab while standing or jumping. For safety, do not swing on, twirl around, sit on, or hang upside down from bars. For safety, never turn upside down at school. Ex: No cartwheels, hand stands, back hand springs, etc.

Parallel bars are for exercising only Parallel bars are for exercising only. Be kind and help others up if needed. To mount: place one hand on each bar with elbows pointing up, jump up, straighten arms, hang straight and hold position. Increase the intensity by walking your hands along bars after mounting. To add core strength, mount bars and do bent or straight leg raises repeatedly while stationary.

The swings are for special needs students only.

Use the bathrooms and water fountains by the cafeteria during recess. You do not need to ask permission when on the playground for recess.

You may also get water at the fountains outside of the “new” wing.

Do not pick up or throw rocks.

Throwing or kicking rocks is dangerous and unnecessary. Leave the rocks in place where they are. They are there for a reason! Take care of the equipment; do not bounce balls on the rocks.

Treat all of the school’s grounds and property with respect.

Throw all trash in trash cans or carry it to the classroom with you. If you see someone litter, respectfully ask them to pick it up and put it in the trash can. Help keep the school beautiful by picking up trash you see on the playground. You will find it rewarding! Wash your hands afterwards for good health.

Treat the grass with respect so that it will continue to grow.

Beware, our young trees’ leaves and branches are fragile.

Respectfully use all equipment for its proper purpose so that it will last. Replace the equipment neatly on the cart when you’re finished using it. Remove knots in jump ropes before they get tight. Do not tie ropes together or to objects. If you see equipment left on the playground, be a helper and pick it up. 

Pay attention to the bell and line up promptly.

Line up quickly and quietly in a single file line at the back of your wing. Stop playing with equipment immediately when the bell rings. CARRY equipment until it is returned properly. Remember your belongings and keep them nearby so that you can line up faster. You must be silent from the moment you reach the cement landing, until after you are inside of the classroom.