These guidelines should be followed at all times while on any Perkins Elementary playground.

 General Rules:

• Fixed equipment is manufactured for climbing and balance purposes. If used correctly, it can improve upper body strength (arms, shoulders, chest, back, and stomach) and can also improve balance and spatial awareness.
• At all times while climbing or hanging, hands should be holding on; especially when climbing over, hanging under, or rolling over bars.
• Mulch should be kept on the ground and under the equipment. It is there for safety, not digging or throwing.
• Climbing over the top of most equipment is acceptable practice. However, with the bars being round, students should never attempt to stand up or sit on top of equipment (free of hands).
• Fixed equipment should be used for climbing, not sitting and social visiting.
• Although there is mulch below, students should climb off equipment rather than jump.
• All equipment should be used with “one way” traffic only. Students coming from opposite directions can create accidents. There should never be “chicken fighting” or “King of the Hill” type challenges while on equipment.
• Students should always be aware of others around them, especially those below when climbing down.
• Tag type games (except Bus Stop) should never be played on, or near, the playground equipment and should be kept to the playing fields at all times.
• Padded poles are there for safety purposes only.

Equipment Specifics:

 Red Playground 

• Climbing Ladder - Climb up, over, and down. No Jumping from or sitting on top.
• Parallel Bars - Support weight on hands while moving across bars. Should exit off end or sides. No standing on top. Students need to be aware if others are playing Bus Stop.
• Turning Bars - While holding on with hands, bend over top and turn body over bar. (Sand might drop off feet while upside down.)
• Horizontal Ladders  - “One way” hang climbing across ladder. Always allow person in front of you room to swing. Never climb on top.
• Balance Beams - Used to enhance balance. Travel in “one way” direction only. Can sit on and jump from these.
• 5 Level Chin Bar - Can pull up, turn over, or hang from. Hands must always be holding on. No sitting on, or jumping from top.
• Pole Climb - Using whole body to pull, climb to top of pole and slide back down.  Jumping from top is unsafe.
• Bell climb – Climb to comfort level. Students below should clear a way if student above needs to climb back down.  Once at top, ring bell, and slide down pole if bottom is clear or students.

Primary Equipment - Grades K-2 (Gray) 

• Climbing ladder - Climb up, over, and down. No sitting on, or jumping from top.
• “A” Frame - Climb up, over, and down. Can hang from underneath while holding on. No sitting on, or jumping from top.
• 3 Level Chin Bar - Can pull up, turn over, or hang from. Hands must always be holding on. No sitting on, or jumping from top.
• Horizontal Ladder (Monkey Bars) - 5 ft. - “One way” hang climbing across ladder. Always allow person in front of you room to swing. Never climb on top. 

All Perkins’ students will be instructed on playground use and safety. They should follow these guidelines AT ALL TIMES while playing on the Perkins Elementary playground.

Have fun and play safe!

1. Always treat your teammates and opponents the way you would like to be treated.

2. Play by the rules.

3. Give everyone a turn.

4. Wait your turn.

5. Cheer on your teammates.

6. Always try to do your best.

7. Congratulate the other team if you lose.

8. Say "thanks" or "good game" to the other team if you win.

9. Never put down or make fun of others.

10. Respect the decisions of officials, coaches, and teachers.

Remember: It's great to win, but it's more important to play fairly and have fun!