Smoke restricts recess in Bonneville County

Heavy smoke in the area is causing trouble for people of all ages, as recess hangs in a delicate balance at Bonneville County’s elementary schools.

Schoolyards were a little quieter Friday morning.

That time of day that every elementary school kid looks forward to was canceled.

“This morning, with the air quality levels being in red, the (Department of Environmental Quality) suggestion was to keep kids inside,” said Margaret Wimborne, communications coordinator for School District 91.

Wimborne said that school officials are constantly monitoring air quality levels through the DEQ, which is why afternoon recess was brought back for some kids after the air improved a little.

“It’s just a matter of making sure we have the best information, and that we try to make decisions based on that to try to keep our students safe,” Wimborne said.

Several parents we spoke to at A.H. Bush Elementary disagreed with District 91’s decision to allow afternoon recess.

Children with allergies and breathing problems are still advised to spend recess indoors, and parents can opt to keep their kids out of recess.

No after-school activities will be affected Friday in Bonneville County.