Due to the length and vigor of the conversation on recess, it was all that got coverage today. Before you utterly despair from this article, note that there is a draft policy that principals have been asked to implement. They also are to come back with reflections on how it works on the ground. This, thus, is where the groundwork takes place: what is recess like for your kids (meaning your children or your students)? Has it been changed in response to this policy? Should it be?
If it hasn't been, you've got grounds for asking about it at site council, faculty meetings, PTO.
The superintendent also pointed out that it is CURRENT POLICY that WPS K-6 has recess for 30 minutes a day (incorrectly, as it turns out; see comments below), outside when possible. If that isn't happening, let's start asking about it.
And we really do want to hear back from EVERYONE on this. (I don't get nearly enough letters from students, for example, and that's one reason it was excellent to have student reps speaking last night.)
The big news--really!--last night was the passing of $44 million in capital expenditures. The mayor referred to it as "unprecedented" which I think is accurate. There's going to be lots and lots of repairs made to schools over the next five years. Look for them!
When the superintendent refers to current policy for recess, do you know if she referring to the "Wellness Policy"? There is no specification of time for recess in that policy. Recess is mentioned only once in that policy as follows: "Elementary school students will have supervised recess, preferably outdoors, one or more times daily where moderate to vigorous physical activity will be encouraged."
ReplyDeleteIf there is another policy that lays out more information regarding recess, can you point me to it?
Thanks
It was the wellness policy to which the superintendent was referring, I believe, yes. There is no other policy in WPS on the books regarding recess at this time.
ReplyDeleteAnd Jenith's quote of the wellness policy is absolutely correct: you can find it here:
ReplyDeletehttp://nursing.worcesterschools.org/modules/groups/group_pages.phtml?gid=1516675&nid=122490
Under Section IV