6142.62

Instruction

Physical Activity

Recess/ Unstructured Break Time

Recess should not be viewed as a reward but as a necessary educational support component for children. Students shall not be denied recess as a means of punishment or to make up work.

Loss of recess or other physically active learning opportunities as a form of discipline may be permitted on a case-by-case basis if approved in writing by the building administration prior to the imposition of the discipline. Such approval may be granted for safety reasons, as a last resort before in-school suspension, or in extraordinary situations when alternative strategies to address student misconduct have been ineffective.

This restriction shall not apply to students who are receiving in-school suspension.

The Board of Education supports the research that suggests that recess can play an important role in the learning, social development and health of elementary school children.

The Board allows the scheduling of unstructured break/recess time for students in kindergarten through 6. The school Principal is authorized to determine its length, frequency, timing, and location of breaks at each school, no less than 20 minutes.

In determining the schedule for unstructured break/recess time for students, the Principal shall consult with appropriate instructional personnel at the school and district level, as appropriate, to insure that break/recess time does not interfere with and provides support for academic learning. The Principal shall also issue directions concerning the responsibility for supervision of students so that break/recess time will be a safe experience for them.

(cf. 3542.34 - Nutrition Program)

Legal Reference:  Connecticut General Statutes

10-16b Prescribed courses of study.

10-220 Duties of boards of education.

10-221o Lunch periods. Recess.

PA 06-44 An Act Promoting the Physical Health Needs of Students

Policy adopted:  June 3, 2008

Policy revised:  October 7, 2014

NEW HARTFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

New Hartford, Connecticut