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It's approaching the end of the school year and time to empty out your budget, and why not get your playground looking beautiful and fun!!!

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Principal’s Supervision Responsibilities

School supervision is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety and well-being of students during school hours. However, recent incidents where students have left school campuses without permission highlight the importance of addressing this issue effectively. Principals and school administrators play a crucial role in establishing policies and procedures to prevent such occurrences and respond appropriately when they do happen.

One such incident involved a group of four primary-grade students who wandered off a school campus during recess. Despite the school noticing their absence shortly after recess, the students remained unaccounted for for a concerning 45 minutes, as reported by a news outlet. This incident underscores the need for robust supervision protocols, especially during unstructured times such as recess.

It’s not uncommon for schools to face challenges related to students leaving campus without authorization. In some cases, the absence of adequate fencing or physical barriers can facilitate unauthorized exits, as evidenced by reports of incidents where students took advantage of gaps in school security measures.



Furthermore, anecdotal evidence suggests that some students may repeatedly attempt to leave campus without permission. One instance was described by my adult daughter who saw an elementary student (with a backpack) walking near a busy street and he would duck down and hide when cars passed by. She called me for advice. “What should I do”, she asked. I’m afraid he might get hit by a car or picked up by a stranger.” It was in the middle of the morning and clearly the child belonged in school. I suggested she drive to the local elementary school and see if they were missing a student. As it turned out they were looking for him. In frustration, they reported he repeatedly left the school premises disrupting the general operation of the school and classroom while everything stopped to search for the missing student. Such situations highlight the need for proactive measures to address underlying issues contributing to students’ desire to leave campus unsupervised.

In terms of legal responsibility, schools typically bear the primary responsibility for supervising students while they are on campus. However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly in cases where schools can demonstrate that they took reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized departures and promptly respond to such incidents.

In the case of the child who frequently left campus without permission, it’s essential to consider the actions taken by the school in response to the recurring behavior. If parents were notified and disciplinary measures were implemented, the school may have fulfilled its duty of care to the student, thereby mitigating its legal liability to some extent.

State Education Code varies by state. As an example, California Education Code 44808 states “that: notwithstanding any other provision of this code, no school district, city or county board of education, county superintendent of schools, or any officer or employee of such district or board shall be responsible or in any way liable for the conduct or safety of any pupil of the public schools at any time when such pupil is not on school property unless such district, board, or person has undertaken to provide transportation for such pupil to and from the school premises, has otherwise specifically assumed such responsibility. Or liability or has failed to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. “ This code is typically cited when referring to students who walk to and from school. In California, schools may discipline students for their behavior on the way to school (like bullying or fighting) but the school is not liable instead, parents are responsible for getting students to school safely.

The exception in the courts was a case called Hoyem v. Manhattan Beach City School District, the court decided that when “school authorities” negligent supervision of students on school premises, a pupil leaves the school grounds during school hours and is subsequently injured by a motorist,” the school is liable. The negligence arises from allowing the child to leave without permission.

By addressing these key areas, schools can create a safer student environment and minimize the risk of unauthorized departures from campus. Additionally, proactive communication and collaboration between school staff, parents, and the broader community are essential for effectively addressing incidents involving students leaving campus without permission. Together, we can work towards ensuring the safety and security of all students within the school environment.

Empower Recess Fun with Peaceful Playgrounds Game Markings!

Engaging children in active play during recess not only promotes physical activity but also fosters a positive and inclusive playground environment. Peaceful Playgrounds offers a range of dynamic Game Markings designed to spark excitement and participation among students.

1. Hopscotch: This timeless favorite encourages agility, balance, and counting skills as children hop through the numbered squares. It's a classic game that never goes out of style!

2. Number Line: Turn recess into a math adventure with our Number Line marking! From simple addition and subtraction to more complex math concepts, students can practice arithmetic skills while having fun.

3. Multi-Use Circle: Versatile and adaptable, the Multi-Use Circle provides the perfect space for a variety of games and activities, from group games like Duck Duck Goose to individual challenges like Name Ball

4. Four Square: A playground staple, Four Square promotes strategy, coordination, and friendly competition as players strive to keep the ball in play and advance to the coveted "King" position.

5. Ball Hopscotch: Put a new spin on a classic game with Ball Hopscotch! Players use a ball to navigate the grid, adding an extra element of hand eye coordination to the fun.

6. Target: Aim, throw, and score with our Target marking! Whether it's tossing bean bags, throwing balls, or aiming for a bullseye, this versatile marking offers endless opportunities for skill-building and friendly competition.

Sale Price expires May 31, 2024

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Play Nice! Equipment Fun Pack Contest

April Winner

Andrew DiCerbo - George L Cook Elementary -Monticello, NY

Please contact the office to collect your prize T:951.245.6970 or officestaff@peacefulplaygrounds.com

This is the last month of our Equipment Pack Contest.

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