** Please check out the update link for info on the recess bill H.543 sponsored by Representative Marjorie Decker! **

Massachusetts is known for its excellent public schools, but our state fails to provide a critical component of our children’s development:  guaranteed access to recess.

Recess is more than a break in the school day. Research shows that a quality, unstructured recess can help support students’

• Social skills development
• Physical health and wellbeing
• Cognitive and academic performance
• Behavioral regulation and comportment

Massachusetts has not yet passed legislation guaranteeing students this critical part of the school day, leaving it to districts to determine how much time they will give their students for recess (or whether to offer recess at all). While various bills have been introduced in the State House, none have made it past the “study” phase, meaning there is no ratified law in place to ensure students have access to this important part of their daily schedule.

No child in Massachusetts should be denied the benefits of recess. We are asking Massachusetts lawmakers to pass a bill that will guarantee: 

• 60 minutes of daily recess. Schools can offer one mid-day block, or two 30-minute morning and afternoon periods, or comparable options. 60 minutes is based on multiple established health organizations’ recommended amount of daily physical activity for school aged children (see one example). 
  
  
• No child can be denied recess. It remains a common practice for teachers to withhold recess due to behavioral disruptions, incomplete work, or other at-will reasons. This is counterproductive to research showing the benefits of physical activity on improved behaviors and focus. Recess is not a privilege but a right. 
  
  
• Recess is unstructured, screen-free, and outdoors whenever possible. Children need this time to socialize, create, and explore. It is critical to distinguish recess from Physical Education, and to make sure children determine their choices for play.
  
  
• Recess is high quality. Schools need proper staff to supervise (but not direct) play and monitor student interactions, functioning playground equipment, and adequate space for students to comfortably play. 

Recess is more than just a break. When recess is denied, students are curtailed in building healthier bodies, social competencies, brain functioning, and overall happiness.

Let’s join together to insist that ALL Massachusetts students deserve a law guaranteeing them daily recess. Please sign and share this petition to join our movement and to tell our senators and representatives to do right by our kids!