At the start of the school year, mask mandates were in place. Students got a short break after lunch to take off their masks and socialize with their friends safely. Once the mask mandate was lifted, WCMS (Woodford Middle School) got no time outside-a full 6 hours sitting at a desk with no break! It is proven in studies that even a short time outside will improve health, school performance, and sleep. So why don't we get time outside?

Teachers have tried to give their students outside time, the break as their own reward. But this isn't enough-a break isn't built into our schedule. With after school activities, students may get up to 9 hours with no break-lunch is inside.

WCMS already has everything we need for a break outside-even if its just for a few minutes. We have a walking track, outdoor sitting area, and a large field. Because we have no break, these places outside are barely used, only by teachers who need a break as much as the students. Help bring back breaks for the students of WCMS, the teachers and students alike will benefit from this extra time outside!