DURKIN PARK ELEMENTARY
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August 24th, 2023

8/24/2023

 
Greetings Durkin Park Families,

I would like to provide clarification around yesterday’s decision to hold outdoor recess. I was
provided information that differed from what parents received. While the district’s parent
communication may have alluded to no outdoor activities, I received guidance that allowed
decisions on outdoor activities to be determined by a set of temperature guidelines.

​The majority of Durkin Park’s outdoor recess fell within the Principal Discretion band. There was
an approximately seven minute period during 7th/8th recess in which the temperature rose to the
level that required indoor recess. Given the limited amount of time remaining, I made the
determination to allow our students to finish their recess period outdoors.

The decision to hold recess outdoors was not made lightly. The following precautions were taken:
  • Mrs. Hernandez and I were present outdoors, monitoring temperature and student activity.
  • Staff recess supervisors increased supervision, looking for specific indicators of fatigue or heat exhaustion.
  • Students playing in direct sunlight were directed to take breaks in the shade.
  • Students were asked to remove their sweatshirts and jackets while outside.
  • Specific areas used for recess in direct sunlight were closed to students.

Yesterday’s recess took place under significant shade coverage, with a consistent breeze moving
across the field. These conditions limited the heat's effect. Additionally when students returned to
the building, our air conditioning system provided optimal temperatures, allowing them to quickly
cool down and return to class.

I would like to share that I am a steadfast believer in the impact of outdoor recess on student
achievement. According to the CDC recess benefits students by:
  • Increasing their level of physical activity.
  • Improving their memory, attention, and concentration.
  • Helping them stay on-task in the classroom.
  • Reducing disruptive behavior in the classroom.
  • Improving their social and emotional development.

In the fall, winter, and spring months our students will have very limited opportunities to engage in
outdoor recess due to cold temperatures and wet weather. Given our building space constraints,
physical activity during indoor recess is very limited. When presented with the choice I will push
for our students to take advantage of the benefits of outdoor recess.

I understand parent concerns. Those who have reached out, thank you. Unless there is a
significant change in today’s weather, we will hold recess indoors. I am happy to meet with any
parent that wishes to discuss in greater depth.

Warm Regards,
Charles Beavers
Principal
​

Saludos familias de Durkin Park,

Me gustaría brindar una aclaración sobre la decisión de ayer de realizar un receso al aire libre.
Me proporcionaron información que difería de la que recibieron los padres. La comunicación para
padres del distrito puede haber aludido a no realizar actividades al aire libre, a la vez, recibí
orientación que permitió que las decisiones sobre actividades al aire libre se determinarán
mediante un conjunto de guías de temperatura.

La mayor parte del recreo al aire libre de Durkin Park estuvo dentro de la guia de discreción del
director. Hubo un período de aproximadamente siete minutos durante el recreo del séptimo y
octavo grado en el que la temperatura subió al nivel que requería el recreo interior. Dada la
cantidad limitada de tiempo restante, tomé la determinación de permitir que nuestros estudiantes
terminen su período de recreo al aire libre.

La decisión de realizar el recreo al aire libre no se tomó a la ligera. Se tomaron las siguientes
precauciones:
  • Mrs. Hernández y yo estuvimos presentes durante el recreo al aire libre, monitoreando la temperatura y la actividad estudiantil.
  • Los supervisores del personal durante el recreo aumentaron la supervisión, buscando indicadores específicos de fatiga o agotamiento por calor.
  • A los estudiantes que jugaban bajo la luz solar directa se les indicó que tomaran descansos a la sombra.
  • Se pidió a los estudiantes que se quitaran las sudaderas y chaquetas mientras estaban afuera.
  • Se cerraron áreas bajo la luz solar directa específicas utilizadas para el recreo.

El receso de ayer tuvo lugar bajo una gran cobertura de sombra, con una brisa constante que se
movía a través del campo. Estas condiciones limitaron el efecto del calor. Además, cuando los
estudiantes regresaron al edificio, nuestro sistema de aire acondicionado proporcionó
temperaturas óptimas, lo que les permitió refrescarse rápidamente y regresar a clase. 

Me gustaría compartir que creo firmemente en el impacto del recreo al aire libre en el
rendimiento estudiantil. Según los CDC, el recreo beneficia a los estudiantes al:
  • Incrementar su nivel de actividad física.
  • Mejorar su memoria, atención y concentración.
  • Ayudándoles a mantenerse concentrados en el salón.
  • Reducir el comportamiento disruptivo en el salón.
  • Mejorar su desarrollo social y emocional.

En los meses de otoño, invierno y primavera, nuestros estudiantes tendrán oportunidades muy
limitadas de participar en el recreo al aire libre debido a las bajas temperaturas y la precipitación.
Dadas las limitaciones de espacio de nuestro edificio, la actividad física durante el recreo en el
interior es muy limitada. Cuando se me presente la opción, optaré para que nuestros estudiantes
aprovechen los beneficios del recreo al aire libre.

Aquellos que se han acercado, gracias. Estoy disponible a quienes tienen preocupaciones. A
menos que haya un cambio significativo en el clima de hoy, realizaremos el recreo en el interior.
Me complace reunirme con cualquier padre que desee conversar en mayor profundidad.

Un cordial Saludo
Charles Beavers
Director

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8445 S. Kolin Ave 
Chicago, IL 60652​

Phone: (773) 535-2322
​Fax: (773) 535-2299
Email: DurkinParkES@cps.edu
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • CIWP
    • Durkin Park SOS 2023-2024
    • Early Learning Center
    • Gallery
    • Rules & Policies
    • School Newsletter
    • Vision Statement
  • LSC
  • Staff
    • Directory
    • Staff Resources
    • Websites for Teachers
  • Students
    • Athletics
    • Independent Learning Packets
    • Remote Learning
    • Student Portal
    • Websites for Students
  • Parents
    • After School Matters
    • Charities of Chicago (Independent Living Resource)
    • Chicago Park District (Teen Job Opportunities)
    • Chicago Park District Programs
    • Covid Testing
    • Covid Vaccine
    • Covid-19 Travel Guidance
    • Fees & Uniforms
    • Forms
    • Healthy Snack List
    • Manual Escolar Para Padres
    • Minimum Health Requirements
    • Parent Handbook
    • Parent Portal
    • Purchase School Pictures
    • School Meals & Nutrition
    • Sexual Health Education Workshop
    • Supply Lists
    • Tentative 8th Grade Activities
    • Volunteer
  • Apply for Preschool
  • Durkin Park Water Project