Save our recess and lunch time in Longview School District!
Save our recess and lunch time in Longview School District!
The Issue
As concerned parents and community members, we are deeply troubled by the reduction of recess and lunch time Dr. Dan Zorn and the Longview School District Administration will be implementing in the 2023-2024 school year without formal approval and short public notice. We know that recess is an essential part of a child's education and development, providing much-needed physical activity, socialization opportunities, and invaluable brain boosting benefits.
Research has shown that regular physical activity is critical for children's health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children should get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. However, many kids are not meeting this recommendation due to factors such as lack of access to safe outdoor spaces, screen time, and sedentary lifestyles. Furthermore, Washington State law mandates an average of 100 minutes of Physical Education per week. LVSD elementary students currently receive 80 minutes; 20 minutes short of state requirements.
Recess provides a valuable opportunity for kids to be active and recharge throughout the school day. In fact, studies have found recess boosts cognitive function and reduces stress, which in turn leads to children achieving higher academic outcomes. Additionally, research has shown children who receive more recess minutes at school tend to be more physically active overall than those who have less or no recess.
Shortening lunch to 20 minutes does not provide a sufficient amount of time for our students to complete their meals and build healthy eating habits. A rushed lunch period will create empty bellies, disordered eating, stress, and excessive food waste.
We urge Longview School District officials not to reduce recess and lunch time in our schools, and to prioritize student health and well-being.
Please sign this petition today if you agree that our children deserve adequate recess and lunch time! *You may opt to have your name hidden from public view.
Most importantly, email District Administrators and Board members with your concerns at the addresses below - even a short note can have a huge impact! Let’s speak up for our children!
dcox@longviewschools.org, dzorn@longview.k12.wa.us, dwiitala@longviewschools.org, cmoldenhauer@longviewschools.org, tvandermaas@longview.k12.wa.us, barbwestrick@comcast.net, jleach@longviewschools.org, Avalanzuolo@longview.k12.wa.us, rparrish@longview.k12.wa.us
Visit our Facebook page, “Save Recess and Lunch in Longview School District” for more information - emails from the District, letters, studies and publications.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/guidelines.htm
https://www.recessguardians.org/post/grow-your-blog-community
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1176549.pdf
The Issue
As concerned parents and community members, we are deeply troubled by the reduction of recess and lunch time Dr. Dan Zorn and the Longview School District Administration will be implementing in the 2023-2024 school year without formal approval and short public notice. We know that recess is an essential part of a child's education and development, providing much-needed physical activity, socialization opportunities, and invaluable brain boosting benefits.
Research has shown that regular physical activity is critical for children's health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children should get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each day. However, many kids are not meeting this recommendation due to factors such as lack of access to safe outdoor spaces, screen time, and sedentary lifestyles. Furthermore, Washington State law mandates an average of 100 minutes of Physical Education per week. LVSD elementary students currently receive 80 minutes; 20 minutes short of state requirements.
Recess provides a valuable opportunity for kids to be active and recharge throughout the school day. In fact, studies have found recess boosts cognitive function and reduces stress, which in turn leads to children achieving higher academic outcomes. Additionally, research has shown children who receive more recess minutes at school tend to be more physically active overall than those who have less or no recess.
Shortening lunch to 20 minutes does not provide a sufficient amount of time for our students to complete their meals and build healthy eating habits. A rushed lunch period will create empty bellies, disordered eating, stress, and excessive food waste.
We urge Longview School District officials not to reduce recess and lunch time in our schools, and to prioritize student health and well-being.
Please sign this petition today if you agree that our children deserve adequate recess and lunch time! *You may opt to have your name hidden from public view.
Most importantly, email District Administrators and Board members with your concerns at the addresses below - even a short note can have a huge impact! Let’s speak up for our children!
dcox@longviewschools.org, dzorn@longview.k12.wa.us, dwiitala@longviewschools.org, cmoldenhauer@longviewschools.org, tvandermaas@longview.k12.wa.us, barbwestrick@comcast.net, jleach@longviewschools.org, Avalanzuolo@longview.k12.wa.us, rparrish@longview.k12.wa.us
Visit our Facebook page, “Save Recess and Lunch in Longview School District” for more information - emails from the District, letters, studies and publications.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/guidelines.htm
https://www.recessguardians.org/post/grow-your-blog-community
https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1176549.pdf
Petition Closed
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Petition created on June 20, 2023