“The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Do we have to go outside on rainy days?” asked a senior student late last week, when the weather was warm and sunny.

I quickly answered, “Yes.”

I am a fan of going outside (and sending kids outside) to play during recess and lunch, and I don’t think a little rain should stop someone from going out. I believe that getting outside for a couple of break periods during the school day helps with learning. Students can run around, get the blood flowing and get oxygen to the brain.

Today was our first rainy day at recess, and the rain did come down quite heavily. Not everyone was prepared for rain, but students did go outside, and no one seemed to mind (or at least on one complained to me).

“I am an optimist, but I’m an optimist who carries a raincoat.” ~ Harold Wilson

Please come to school prepared for the weather. Younger students may want to bring a change of clothes. For those parents who have not seen a playground filled with 500 children playing in the rain, I would like you to know that, even if you do send your children to school with proper rain gear, they don’t always put it on. A change of clothes can help a lot.

There will be days that inside options are given, and students may be playing quietly in their classes or reading in the library. For most many rainy days, however, students will be sent outside for recess and lunch to run around, and to enjoy some time in the rain.

A little bit of rain should not stop the fun.

“Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.” ~ Roger Miller

Take care