Orange County school board approves daily recess policy

ORANGE COUNTY –– On Dec. 13, Orange County school board members gave the final thumbs up for a revision to a policy that makes daily recess fundamentally mandatory for elementary students.

“Recess is considered now something that is within the coursework of what a teacher does every single day,” explained OCPS spokeswoman Kathy Marsh.

The original language of the newly revised policy previously made no mention of recess before an addendum was included during the Sept. 8 OCPS board meeting. However, now playtime is a requirement – almost.

A clause in the revised language of the policy allows recess to be subject to teachers’ discretion. Both the discretionary clause and 20-minute time limit proved troubling for some skeptical parents who took to social media to note their concerns. 

“20 minutes is not enough,” wrote Charla Maria in a Facebook comment. “Especially in K-2 grade levels. These kids are still little (and) have high energy. They need recess as an outlet to be able to absorb all the common core curriculum being piled on them. Two 30-minute recess breaks (morning & afternoon) would probably take care of most behavior problems as well.”

Other parents wondered if “no recess” will still be used as a form of discipline. Marsh explained such punishment would be highly discouraged, but not altogether illegal. The modified policy itself does not address if “no recess” can be used to punish children.

“The desire is for teachers not to use recess – taking away recess – as a form of punishment,” Marsh said. “…However, could it ever happen? Possibly. Is it likely to happen? No.”

Marsh also added that, given the complication of allowing all students outside simultaneously, recess will likely be offered to students on a rotation schedule.

Despite some parents’ worries, the revision was a welcome change for the school board members and parents who fought hard to ensure students get a much-needed break between regular schoolwork, class lectures and test preparation.

“This policy gives our kids an outlet during the school day – every school day – to just be children,” said Angela Browning during public comment. “And I know, without a doubt, the difference 20-minute recess can make in the lives of these children because I have seen it firsthand in my own three boys.”

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Contact Gabby Baquero at [email protected]