Shorecrest Parents urge the following school policy to be implemented. Shade structures need be built at LD and EC. ASAP.

Hats and Protective Clothing

Students shall be [encouraged / strongly encouraged / required], year-round (or when UV index is above 3-5, moderate level), to wear articles of sun-protective clothing, including hats, when outdoors. A wide brim hat should be part of the school uniform.

Sunscreen and Lip Balm

Students shall be [encouraged / strongly encouraged / required], year-round, to use sunscreen and/or sun-protective lip balm.

Sunglasses

When students are outdoors they shall be [encouraged / strongly encouraged / required] year-round, to wear sunglasses that protect the eyes from UV ray. Schools may specify the type(s) of sunglasses that are, or are not, permissible on campus.

School Environment

The principal or designee of each schoolsite shall survey the school campus to identify existing shaded areas, and non-shaded areas where the addition of shade would be practical and desirable. Priority shall be given to including ample shade in new construction plans and adding shade when remodeling school facilities. Shade Options The principal or designee shall optimize shade options for students and personnel, and shall encourage the utilization of existing shaded or indoor areas for congregation and recreation. As resources permit, outdoor activities shall be preferentially scheduled to occur before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. However, scheduling constraints shall not reduce the total time students engage in physical education or activity.

Instruction

Teachers shall provide education at each grade level, Kindergarten through 12, that relates to skin cancer, including information about the harmful effects of UV rays and recommended practices for preventing skin cancer.

Parent/Guardian Communication

Schools shall inform parents and guardians about the importance of, and strategies for, preventing skin cancer, and shall alert them that the risk of developing skin cancer is highest for individuals with lightly or moderately pigmented skin. The communication shall include, but shall not be limited to, details of the school policy relating to hats, sun-protective clothing, sunscreen usage, uniforms, and sunglasses. Schools shall also urge families to reinforce sun-safe behavior outside the school and to support the school’s sun safety programs.

Personnel

All personnel shall be educated about skin cancer’s impact and prevention, including sun protection methods. Employees shall be strongly encouraged to protect themselves from overexposure to the sun and to model sun-safe behavior for students. Health Services School nurses, health educators, and school health resource specialists shall promote, reinforce, and support sun protection and skin cancer prevention efforts for students and their families, and for personnel.

Evaluation

Schools shall evaluate and revise sun safety programs, and address identified shade needs, annually.

Reference: http://www.sunsafetyforkids.org/schoolpolicy/sample/

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