We, the concerned parents, educators, and community members of Montour Elementary, urge you to facilitate a dedicated recess period for our 3rd and 4th grade children that is in alignment with the recess access that grades K, 1, and 2 are afforded. As advocates for the well-being and holistic development of our young learners, we believe that recess plays a crucial role in their physical health, social skills development, and academic performance.

1. Physical Health Benefits:
Numerous studies have shown that regular physical activity is essential for children's overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children aged 6-17 should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. Recess provides an opportunity for our 3rd and 4th graders to meet this recommendation while enjoying free play outdoors.

2. Cognitive Benefits:
Contrary to popular belief, recess is not merely a break from learning but an integral part of it. Research published in Pediatrics demonstrates that regular breaks during school hours improve attention span and cognitive function among students. By allowing our 3rd and 4th graders to engage in unstructured play during recess, we can enhance their focus when they return to the classroom.

3. Social Skills Development:
Recess offers valuable opportunities for children to interact with peers outside the structured classroom environment. Through games and group activities during this unstructured time, kids learn important social skills such as cooperation, conflict resolution, negotiation abilities, empathy building - all essential elements of emotional intelligence.

4. Academic Performance Enhancement:
Contrary to concerns about lost instructional time due to recess breaks interfering with academic progress; research suggests otherwise! A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that students who had more frequent recess periods performed better academically than those who had less or no recess at all.

By restoring recess for our 3rd and 4th grade students at Montour Elementary school, we can create an environment that fosters their overall well-being and sets them up for success. We understand the challenges schools face in balancing instructional time, but we firmly believe that recess is not a luxury but a necessity.

We kindly request you to consider the overwhelming evidence supporting the benefits of recess and work towards implementing it as an integral part of our 3rd and 4th grade curriculum. Let's prioritize our children's health, social skills development, and academic achievement by restoring recess for our 3rd and 4th graders.

Together, let's ensure that Montour Elementary's 3rd and 4th graders have every opportunity to thrive physically, socially, and academically!