Elementary students in Eden Prairie Schools should have access to at least 30 minutes of unstructured, outdoor recess during the school day. Currently, our elementary children receive only 15-20 minutes of recess per day and physical education class once every 4 cycle days.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly supports 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per day. Recess is a complement to, not a substitute for physical education class.

Research demonstrates that recess improves cognitive function, social and emotional skills, and physical well being in children. The AAP further highlights the importance of recess for our children's overall health and well being by calling it a "crucial and necessary component of a child's development."

"The crucial role of recess in school." Pediatrics, 131 (1). January 2013.​

"Why young kids need less class time - and more play time - at school." The Washington Post, August 21, 2015​

"Playing devil's advocate for more recess." Star Tribune, March 22, 2016

School policy should reflect current research for optimal student health and learning. When we meet children's physiological needs during the school day, they are more apt to do well in all areas of school and life. We encourage the Eden Prairie school district to act in the best interest of our children by establishing a policy that ensures that every elementary student receives at least 30 minutes of daily unstructured, supervised recess.

The Minneapolis Public Schools are addressing the same topic, and they have received nearly 3,000 signatures in support of this issue to date.