St. Jude's Academy Cold Weather Policy

Below you will find the steps taken at St. Jude's Academy to ensure students stay safe and have fun during the winter months.

1. Reduce amount of time students spend outdoors when the temperature is –20 degrees Celsius or colder, with or without the wind chill. Students will stay indoors when the temperature is -20 degrees Celsius or colder, with or without wind chill.
2. Understand that some medical conditions may increase sensitivity to cold. Parents should consult their physician and provide a written notice if a child has a need to stay indoor. 
3. Ensure students are dressed warmly, covering exposed skin: insulated boots, winter weight coats, mittens, hats, neck warmers.
4. Ensure students change wet clothing or footwear immediately.
5. Although these conditions are unlikely to occur during the school day, ensure that all staff are able to recognize and treat symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia. Given plenty of warm fluids to prevent dehydration.
6. When children are outside, be watchful for shivering or signs of numbness in faces, ears, hands or feet.
7. Educate children in dealing with cold weather: drinking plenty of fluids, dressing warmly, and recognizing signs of cold injury.