Bend-La Pine Schools in Bend, Oregon, says as the new school year approaches, it's a good time for an AQI guidelines refresher.

Air quality resulting from regional wildfires can affect outdoor activities for students, from sports practices to P.E. classes and recess. When smoke is present in the Bend, La Pine and Sunriver areas, the district monitors Watch Duty and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Index.

The district follows the Oregon Health Authority air quality and outdoor activity guidance, which can be found at bls.fyi/oha-aqi-guidance.

Administrative staff at every school is empowered to make decisions based on the air quality at any given time. Air quality can vary greatly between school neighborhoods and it can change quickly. School staff can make decisions that are best for their school communities.

For sports practices and activities, the district follows the Air Quality Guidelines of the Oregon School Activities Association at bls.fyi/osaa-aqi-guidelines to determine when middle and high school outdoor athletic activities should be canceled or moved indoors. Athletic and activities directors, coaches and support staff will communicate with families of students participating in OSAA regarding these health guidelines. Coaches will notify families if changes are made to games or practice times and schedules.

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