As parents and concerned citizens of the Three Village school district, we are writing to request that recess time at the elementary level in all district schools be increased. In multiple studies, evidence has shown the benefits and necessity of play and movement for young children. The Center for Disease control and the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America has recently released new guidelines regarding the importance of recess, and its role in improving academic performance and behavior during the school day.
Numerous schools across the country have increased recess in the school day and have seen positive results. On Long Island, the Patchogue Medford school district has taken the bold and progressive step of doubling recess time this year. Allowing the students the time to play provides children social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development that is needed to create divergent and creative thinkers.
While we as parents can appreciate that changing the current structure of the elementary schools can pose challenges to building and district practices and policies, we strongly believe that the core values and tradition of academic excellence for which Three Village school district is known for will be strengthened by increasing recess for all students at the elementary level.
