Recess has been reduced nationally and in the Madison School District. At present, most Madison students receive a single 20-minute recess during a 400+ minute school day, which is often diminished for discipline, missed work/tutoring, weather, inefficiency in the day, special events, etc.

Schools are uniquely positioned to address health inequities and promote daily physical activity, according to the Arizona Department of Education. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that recess is an indispensable component of a child’s education because it promotes social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Every child, regardless of income or school signature programming, deserves the opportunity to learn and develop in an active school environment.

Recognizing 1) that children need regular free play breaks during the school day and 2) that recess improves academic performance and classroom behavior, we the undersigned concerned stakeholders petition the Governing Board to adopt a recess policy that places a high value on student access to recess, consistent with Madison's overall strong commitment to its student body and sound educational policies.

Specifically, we petition for the following:

• A codified recess policy that mandates at least 40 minutes of daily unstructured free play, divided into at least two breaks, during any school day that exceeds 400 minutes.
• Recess will occur outdoors as weather allows and, when moved indoors, will allow for physical movement/activity and socialization.
• Per state standards, recess shall not be withheld for academic or punitive reasons, and recess shall not replace, or be replaced by, Physical Education.
• When combined with lunch, recess shall occur before lunch.

To assist with implementation, we recommend:

1. Reaffirmation of existing standards at each school site,
2. Professional development that improves the lives of teachers and students by returning to a whole child approach to education, and
3. The CDC’s evidence-based strategy of a district Recess Council that welcomes stakeholders to shape, implement, and monitor a recess policy that aligns with vetted student wellness goals.