Dear Parents,

It is wonderful to see families enjoying the beautiful afternoons on the school playground.  I have reposted some playground safety guidelines below to ensure that you and your children have a safe and  fun experience on the playground.

It is not uncommon, at the end of the day, for a student to beg their parent to stay and play on the playground with friends.  It is not uncommon for parents to welcome this request as it provides a nice social time among adults and time outside in the sun and fresh air.  It is a wonderful sight seeing our BCD community of children and parents enjoying time together after school on the playground.

During the school day, our faculty are vigilant during outside time to ensure that our students are using the playground equipment safely and are playing with each other respectfully.  It is easy for there to be an injury or injured feelings when children are playing and socializing together on the playground.  To ensure a safe experience on the playground, there are some rules and expectations that the students are expected to follow.  It is important that these rules are followed after school as well to provide a consistent message for our children and most importantly to keep them safe.  Below are a few playground rules that we ask you follow to keep our children safe.

  • Please keep your children in sight at all times
  • Children are not permitted to play near or in the stream
  • Please make sure children stay well away from Rt. 183 and the driveway
  • Children are not permitted to climb trees
  • Children are not permitted to climb on the rocks around the tunnel on the berm
  • Please use all playground equipment properly
  • The tall playground structure is for grades 1 and older
  • Children are expected to go down slides feet first only
  • There should be no climbing up the slides
  • Children should not climb on top of the swings, elevated tunnel, or playhouse
  • Children should leave sticks and rocks on the ground
  • When children are playing together, please make sure they are being respectful to each other

Please also be aware that children in our After School Care program may also be using the playground in the afternoons.  Our instructor, Julia Hobart is responsible for the children in her care.  It is difficult to expect her to be responsible for children not in her direct care, though she will step in if she deems a situation as unsafe.

Again, we love having all our families enjoy the acccessibility of such a wonderful play space.  I hope that these expectations are helpful as you plan your next time on the playground. 

Play Safe and Have Fun!

Paul Frantz