CURRENT, PAST AND FUTURE PARENTS OF CYRUS PEIRCE SCHOOL & COMMUNITY MEMBERS- SUPPORT OUR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS!

ADVOCATE FOR A HIGH-QUALITY AND AMPLE DAILY RECESS!

Currently, CPS students are given 15 minutes of recess, which boils down to less than 10 minutes spent on an open field with little play equipment or time to play.

Middle school students are in the midst of a significant physical, emotional and cognitive growth spurt and need MORE NOT LESS physical activity, informal peer interaction, and stress relievers. P.E. and lunchtime are equally necessary but are not a substitute for a quality outdoor recess.

We petition CPS to demonstrate its commitment to developmentally appropriate educational practice and to meeting the diverse learning styles and developmental needs of its students by providing a high-quality and ample daily recess as outlined below.

Recess is a valuable and essential learning time and researchcites that:

• Children REQUIRE daily exercise to maintain physical and cognitive health
• Children NEED recess to develop social skills, relationships; hone problem-solving skills; explore their own ideas; and de-stress and re-charge after structured classroom activity.
• Adequate recess time is integral to creating a positive overall school climate with: students feeling more engaged and secure in school, less bullying more positive interactions, and improved student behavior and academic goals.

We advocate for a high-quality recess which includes:

• TIME (at least 20+ minutes of ACTUAL PLAY TIME)
• PLAY SPACE (designated areas for games, ample play equipment for all)
• CHOICE OF GAMES (both student and adult-led)
• ADULTS to lead and support group games, and teach conflict resolution skills
• RULES (universal, simple, positive and clear- communicated with all students and staff along with responsive, respectful and related consequences).

(Adapted from a Checklist: ELEMENTS OF A GREAT RECESS at www.playworks.org)

PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION AND SIGN THIS PETITION TO ADVOCATE FOR OUR CPS STUDENTS. OUR STUDENTS NEED A QUALITY RECESS- NOW NOT LATER!