6701 Recess and Physical Activity

The board recognizes that recess is an essential part of the day for elementary school students. Young students learn through play, and recess supports the mental, physical, and emotional health of students and positively impacts their learning and behavior. Similarly, the board recognizes that students who engage in regular exercise are more likely to learn in the classroom and supports the district’s increased emphasis on physical activity at all grade levels to enhance the well-being of the district’s students. Therefore, it is the policy of the board to provide students with recess and opportunities for physical activity.

Recess

The district aims to make elementary school recess safe, inclusive, and high quality for all students. All district elementary schools will receive a minimum of 30 minutes per day of unstructured physical activity as recess. The accompanying procedure will specify how the district will meet other legal requirements.

Physical Activity

All schools, as a best practice and subject to available funding, will consider various opportunities for all students to be physically active:

• Quality physical education;
• Physical activity during the school day (e.g., brain boosters/energizers);
• Physical activity before and after school;
• Recess that aims to be safe, inclusive, and high quality;
• Recess for students with disabilities with near-grade peers;
• Family and community engagement;
• Staff wellness and health promotion;
• Opportunities for active transportation to school; and
• Access to school district facilities for physical activity, fitness, sports, and recreation programs.