Class is in full swing at Soldier Creek Elementary. Students are taking tests and solving problems, but perhaps their biggest problem is recess being cut in half. Student Austin Morphew has one thing to say about shorter recess.

"Unfair," says Morphew.

Students spent 15 minutes on the playground instead of the full 30 minutes on Wednesday because it was too hot. The Mid-Del School District does not have a district-wide policy, each principal decides how to handle recess.

"Knowing that it's triple digit temperatures, you have to use a little common sense so no one gets dehydrated," explains Principal Shelly Roper.

Roper says Soldier Creek students were allowed outside for the short time because the playground has plenty of shade. Students at schools with no shade may have stayed indoors the entire time. School officials prefer to get the students outside if at all possible. Math teacher Becki Thompson says performance can suffer without a break.

"They won't be able to sit down and concentrate on their work. They need to get that extra energy out so it helps with discipline a lot," says Thompson.

Students are allowed to have water bottles at their desk to help keep them hydrated. Students get to finish recess inside, but Morphew says no matter how hot it is outside, he'd rather hit the playground.

"Because you get to be with your friends and sometimes your friends aren't in your class," explains Morphew.