A little bit about myself and why I started this petition.. I am a mom of three girls ages 10, 8, and 4. My oldest as always been a little more on the hyper side, in kindergarten , her teacher emailed me letting me know in her personal teach experience she believed she (my oldest) had ADHD. I brushed it off because I truly never thought so and neither did her pediatrician. Fast forward to 4th grade. Her homeroom teacher informed me of almost the exact same thing, so I took her to the doctor and we started an evaluation. She was evaluated by 3 different doctors/physicians they all said the same thing.. it wasn’t ADHD/ADD. So I left it alone. A few months later her grades were still doing pretty bad so I brought her back to the doctor and we tried some medication to treat ADHD.. let me tell you it had the ABSOLUTE opposite effect on her. I stopped giving the medication and started my own experiment. Homework wasn’t top priority when she got home from school playing outside was.. to let her burn off some of that energy. And it worked.. her grades started to pick up. I’m a firm believer outside time is very important for children not just to reset and socialize, but also to allow them to be just what they are CHILDREN. In Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, our children deserve better. As a parent in this community, I've seen firsthand the detrimental effect that cutting recess has on our kids. They're not robots; they're children in need of fresh air and playtime to thrive. Our kids are expected to sit still, concentrate on screens, and follow strict academic schedules with limited outdoor breaks. No wonder they are labeled with ADHD—schools are denying them the chance to exert energy and grow socially and emotionally.

Recess is not just playtime; it's a vital component of childhood development. The American Academy of Pediatrics stresses that recess provides crucial mental and emotional benefits, leading to improved attention, productivity, and classroom behavior. Studies have shown that children who have regular recess display fewer behavioral problems and can better focus on their studies. They NEED outside time, not just for physical health but for their growth and mental wellbeing.

In recent years, the removal of recess has been cloaked under the guise of increased academic performance. Yet, this strategy is counterproductive. According to the American Psychological Association, children are more likely to excel academically when they have the opportunity to exercise and release pent-up energy throughout the day. Schools in other districts have reinstated recess with dramatic positive results in both behavior and academic performance.

We call upon the Jefferson Parish Public School System to listen to the voices of parents and educators advocating for the wellbeing of our children. It's time to make a change, time to reinstate recess for Pre-K4 through 12th grade across our school district. We need policies that support a more balanced school day and recognize the holistic benefits of recess.

Join us in this crucial fight for our children's right to play, to breathe, and to just be kids. Sign this petition and let’s show Jefferson Parish Public School System that we demand better for our children's future. It's time for a change—for the better.