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Orange school leaders outline steps to address recess safety after staff and parent forums
Summary
After staff and parent forums, administrators told the School Committee they will prioritize student safety at recess with changes including no equipment from home, swing timers, zone monitors, mediation, and a plan to use 6th-grade ambassadors; further work is scheduled in February.
Recess safety and supervision were a central discussion at the Orange Elementary School Committee meeting on Jan. 26, 2026. District administrators told the committee they held two follow-up forums — one with staff and one with parents and community members — to gather concerns and ideas about recess practices.
Dr. Lewis (administrator) told the committee that safety is the district’s top priority and described a review of nurse visit records and injury protocols, with particular attention to head injuries and fractures. Proposed measures discussed included banning playground equipment brought from home, installing timers on swings, organizing 6th-grade ambassadors to serve as volunteer monitors, assigning monitors to fixed playground zones, encouraging less competitive play and using mediation to manage conflicts. Preschool staff requested changes to the outdoor preschool playground layout, including relocating swings and tricycles.
Committee members raised operational questions. Josefa Scherer asked about reducing the number of students on the playground at one time; Dr. Lewis said the district already alternates “A days” and “B days” to reduce density. Jessica Reske asked about a rotating staff schedule to increase supervision; Dr. Lewis said contractual obligations for PLCs and lunch duties, and the fact that paraprofessionals are tied to classrooms, limit the ability to reassign staff for recess. Dr. Liz (administrator) emphasized that the structure of the school day is governed by state regulations, which constrain scheduling changes.
The committee also discussed landscaping changes to reduce bee attractors after reports of bee stings; Michele (school staff member) said the district will evaluate plantings and propose a plan. District leaders said they will reconvene in February to continue addressing suggestions from the forums and to produce recommended changes for committee consideration.
Why it matters: Recess policies affect daily student supervision, safety protocols, and staffing patterns. Parents and staff sought changes intended to reduce injuries and conflicts; district administrators described practical and contractual limits that shape what can be implemented immediately.
Next steps: District staff will meet in February to review forum input and present next steps and possible implementation details to the committee.
