"Mom, they keep telling us to be active and to exercise to stay healthy but then they take PE away from us...it makes no sense!"- A Pinellas County Schools Student

In Pinellas County Schools, most elementary students only receive PE three days a week and do not have any recess. Three days. That's it. We believe that Pinellas County Schools should provide FIVE days of PE taught by certified PE teachers and students should also receive daily recess.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says in its policy statement on recess that it is a "crucial and necessary component of a child's development....and it promotes not only physical health and social development but also cognitive performance."

Currently, Pinellas County School's Administration Guidelines for Wellness, Physical Activity, and Nutrition says that schools should "investigate" providing 20 minutes of recess (page 8). Most schools aren't providing any recess and there doesn't seem to be much "investigation" happening. It is time to put student wellness ahead of data collection for testing companies. Health is important.

Studies show that students make cognitive and academic gains when they are given a break from the academic rigors of the day. Not only that, but outdoor physical exercise decreases behavior issues in the classroom. Our students need time during the school day to process what they have learned, and daily PE and recess provide that time. One Pinellas County mom summed it up well. "When my child is able to run and play I find he listens better, stays on task longer, and is able to retain more information."

While the district maintains that students receive brief indoor brain breaks throughout the day, these breaks are highly structured and are not the same as outdoor recess. One parent of a first grader says, "the lack of recess this year has been obvious in my son's behavior; not only is he more hyperactive after school but he is also far more distractible at homework time when compared to his kindergarten year." Our students need the stress relief, social experience, and health benefits that DAILY outdoor physical activity provides.

Other Florida districts (like Orange County) have realized that students need more outdoor play time. If other Florida districts are able to make PE and recess happen for their students, Pinellas County should be able to schedule it. Another first grade parent says, "My son has started telling me he doesn't want to go to school anymore...he doesn't get a chance to even socialize and get to know the kids in his classroom....I think some active imaginative play would make all the difference in his attitude and perception of school."

A sixth grade mother says, "I want my son to enjoy his childhood for as long as possible." Parents and community members, it's time to take our kids' childhood back!!! #BringBackRecess #PEMatters

CBS News American Academy of Pediatrics Article:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/recess-a-crucial-part-of-school-day-says-american-academy-of-pediatrics/

The Atlantic Article:

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/09/exercise-seems-to-be-beneficial-to-children/380844/

 Medical Daily Article

http://www.medicaldaily.com/physical-education-schools-afterthought-just-important-math-or-science-353316