Some Rochester-area schools cancel outdoor activities on June 6, 2023

(ROCHESTER, N.Y.)

Some schools around the Rochester area have canceled outdoor activities because of air quality concerns.

The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air quality alert on Tuesday for Western New York because of the wildfires around Quebec, Canada. Northernly winds have carried smoke and particulate matter from the wildfires to the region.

Here’s how local school districts are adjusting their activities:

Rochester (RCSD): Due to the poor air quality conditions, we have decided to cancel all outside activities, including outdoor physical education classes, until further notice. To help maintain a safe environment, we ask that all windows remain closed throughout our facilities. This will help prevent outside pollutants from entering our buildings and ensure we have the best possible air quality inside.

Pittsford: Outdoor activities like recess and physical education will be held indoors on Tuesday.

Brighton: BCSD has decided to hold Physical Education and recess indoors on Tuesday. Students at Brighton High School who utilize outdoors spaces for lunch or open campus will still be allowed to do so, but are being advised to reduce strenuous activity and to not eat outside if they have asthma or other respiratory conditions.

Brockport: Out of an abundance of caution, students will be kept indoors Tuesday.

Gates-Chili: The school district will hold physical education classes indoors Tuesday and Wednesday. In addition, all outdoor athletic activities have moved indoors.
Rush-Henrietta: The district has asked all of our schools to keep students inside Tuesday, June 6, including during physical education classes and after school activities.