Revise Cherry Creek School District's recess policy at Arrowhead Elementary
The Issue
Growing up in Aurora, Colorado, one of my fondest memories was running around the playground of Arrowhead Elementary, playing tag and making new friends. Recess wasn't just a break; it was an essential part of our day that allowed us to recharge and engage in unstructured play. But today, Arrowhead Elementary's new recess policy is restricting this vital part of childhood, turning what should be a joyous experience into a regimented routine.
The new policy reduces free play time, which is crucial for children's physical, emotional, and social development. Studies have shown that recess helps kids develop conflict resolution skills, improves focus in class, and reduces stress—benefits that structured classroom time doesn’t offer. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, recess is a necessary break from the rigors of concentrated academic challenges.
Under the current policy, children are given a choice of which activity they can participate in but this is limited to 24 per area, which in turn has our kids not being able to play and iteract with thier freinds, there are multiple areas with little to no shade and students are being told to get back to their zone, unable to console or help freinds in need. This is not what recess should be about and free time has been shown to boost creativity and problem-solving skills. yet the revised policy at Arrowhead does not accommodate this
We are urging the Cherry Creek School District to revise this recess policy. By reinstating the previous recess structure. They will be supporting healthier and more balanced educational experiences. The current structure is militant and would be fine in military school but this is a public Elementary school and this policy does not align with the parents or students at arrowhead and needs to be addressed.
Join us in advocating for our children’s right to be children. They deserve the time to explore, imagine, and play without unnecessary restrictions. Sign this petition to bring back a flexible and enriching recess schedule at Arrowhead Elementary and allow our kids to be kids again.
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The Issue
Growing up in Aurora, Colorado, one of my fondest memories was running around the playground of Arrowhead Elementary, playing tag and making new friends. Recess wasn't just a break; it was an essential part of our day that allowed us to recharge and engage in unstructured play. But today, Arrowhead Elementary's new recess policy is restricting this vital part of childhood, turning what should be a joyous experience into a regimented routine.
The new policy reduces free play time, which is crucial for children's physical, emotional, and social development. Studies have shown that recess helps kids develop conflict resolution skills, improves focus in class, and reduces stress—benefits that structured classroom time doesn’t offer. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, recess is a necessary break from the rigors of concentrated academic challenges.
Under the current policy, children are given a choice of which activity they can participate in but this is limited to 24 per area, which in turn has our kids not being able to play and iteract with thier freinds, there are multiple areas with little to no shade and students are being told to get back to their zone, unable to console or help freinds in need. This is not what recess should be about and free time has been shown to boost creativity and problem-solving skills. yet the revised policy at Arrowhead does not accommodate this
We are urging the Cherry Creek School District to revise this recess policy. By reinstating the previous recess structure. They will be supporting healthier and more balanced educational experiences. The current structure is militant and would be fine in military school but this is a public Elementary school and this policy does not align with the parents or students at arrowhead and needs to be addressed.
Join us in advocating for our children’s right to be children. They deserve the time to explore, imagine, and play without unnecessary restrictions. Sign this petition to bring back a flexible and enriching recess schedule at Arrowhead Elementary and allow our kids to be kids again.
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Petition created on August 25, 2026