Stormy weather keeps Clovis Unified students indoors, teachers getting creative to keep them busy

CLOVIS, Calif. (KFSN) -- The wet weather is keeping some kids indoors during a week where they're heading back from winter break.

This week, instead of releasing their energy on the playgrounds Clovis Unified students are staying indoors on their first day back from winter break and teachers are getting creative to keep them busy.

The rain came down in the Central Valley Tuesday, kicking off a series of storms that will bring some much-needed water to the area. The wet weather, though, is forcing teachers at Clovis Unified to think of new, creative ways to keep students active. "Our teachers have plans in place, a lot of them have online resources and videos and things they get the kids moving-- work off a little bit of that energy so they can stay focused in class," said Kelly Avants, Clovis Unified School District.

Avants said many kids returning from winter break have a little extra energy.

Just because the playground is soaking wet doesn't mean students can't stand up and get a little exercise on their first day back from winter break.

"We get up and, at least, get out of our seats a couple times a day to really work out the jitters and the back to school and back to school to get them up and get them moving," said Sara Harper, Riverview Elementary School teacher.

Harper said the energy breaks also help keep students focused with their school work. "It's a rainy day and the kids are all cooped up, so if we can get their wiggles out before we get started and get ready to learn then that's a good thing."

Clovis Unified is one of the only school districts back to school this week. With rain expected at least through Thursday after school activities will also be affected. "So, for an elementary school where, right now, you have wrestling, which is happening inside, they would continue with their practice but basketball that's out at the blacktops would obviously be canceled," explained Avants.

Clovis Unified also said since the summer grounds and custodial crews have been preparing for the possibility of rain, keeping all playgrounds, blacktops, and sidewalks clear for students.