As the weather turns colder, we want to take a moment to remind everyone about the importance of staying off frozen ponds and stormwater retention areas in our community.

While the ice may appear solid, these ponds, including the one located in the nearby park, are not on school property and cannot be supervised by school staff. Water movement beneath the surface and shifting temperatures make the ice extremely unpredictable and unsafe at all times.

If someone falls through the ice:

• The shock of freezing water can cause panic and difficulty breathing.
• Heavy winter clothing can become waterlogged, making it hard to stay afloat.
• Muscle control can be lost in minutes, limiting the ability to climb out.
• Attempts by others to help can put more people in danger.

Our students are growing into young adults, and with that independence comes responsibility. It is incumbent upon our students to use good judgment and understand the very real risks involved with venturing onto frozen bodies of water, especially at this age.

We encourage families to have conversations at home about safe winter behavior and to use designated skating rinks or supervised recreation areas instead.

Thank you for helping keep everyone in our school community safe this winter season.