Cold weather is here. Fairbanks schools typically don’t close school because of extreme temperatures. At extreme temperatures, dressing appropriately becomes a matterof safety. One of the keys to enjoying Alaska is to dress forcold weather. 
•Dress for the cold.
Coat, snow pants, boots, hat and mittens are necessary in the Arctic and are required at school. At this time of year a neck gaitor, face-mask or scarf is also a must. At minus 40 degrees bare skin can be injured very quickly. If skin is covered, no problem at all. If it is uncovered, frostbite is a reality.
•Write your child’sname on everything. 
I don’tneed to tell you that children’s clothes can be very expensive. Names written in indelible ink will help insure that we can find the owner of those gloves we found. My mother connected my mittens through my coat arms with a string so I wouldn’t lose them.
•Make sure yourchildren know where to go after school.
Children need to understand where they are to go anytime there is a change in your after school routine. It’s best to clarify plans in the morning. Last minute changes can be confusing and even have dangerous results. Enjoying the cold is not a matter of becoming toughened. It’s simply a matter of dressing properly. Winter is enjoyable, but cold is also serious business.So, let’s dress warmly and safely. Enjoy the winter fun!
Happy Holidays!
Mary Cofer, Principal